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Best deals online for metal and wooden beds including bedsteadsCopyright 2018 by MyBedFramesWe all yawn. It’s an involuntary action that we think is performed because we are tired or bored. But what are the real reasons behind why we yawn? And why do we yawn after seeing others do it, or even after just reading the word “yawn”?

Some of you may have already yawned by just reading the title of this article.

Why Do We Yawn?

It’s a common misconception that yawning is to do with tiredness or boredom. Sometimes we cannot stop ourselves from yawning, even in the most inappropriate times such as a meeting.

Previous research thought that yawning was serving as a respiratory function to help ‘wake us up’ with a sudden jolt of oxygen when we feel tired. But more recent studies show that yawning doesn’t actually increase our oxygen levels. It’s something that a simple observation task can detect; we do not yawn more often when we exercise, an action that requires us to use more oxygen.

As recently as 2011, psychologist Gordon Gallup put forward a case that suggests yawning is an action required to help us cool our brain and the body. Our brain functions optimally at cooler temperatures and yawning increases our heart rate, blood flow and use of muscles in our faces which are essential to help cool our brain.

Deeply inhaling a sudden burst of cool air into our lungs can alter the temperature of the blood in our head, and it is said that brain temperature is known to rise when we feel exhausted and sleep deprived.

But the research as to why we yawn is still decidedly mixed. No one really knows conclusively, and as Robert Provine puts it as “Yawning may have the dubious distinction of being the least understood, common human behaviour.”

Why is Yawning Contagious?

Researchers at the University of Albany found that contagious yawning can be directly influenced by using hot and cold packs. During the research it was found that people were 41% likely to yawn themselves while watching someone else do it while holding a hot pack to their head. In contrast, people were only 9% likely to yawn while doing the same thing by with a cold pack pressed to their head.

Our sudden urge to yawn is also linked to our capacity for empathy. It has been observed that contagious yawning first begins in children around the same age as when they start to learn to identify other people’s emotions (around 4 to 5 years old).

Children with autism (a condition that impairs social interaction) have been seen to feel less likely to yawn when shown videos of others yawning.

It seems that high levels of empathetic understanding can lead to contagious yawning. If people see photos, footage or even just read about yawning, a majority of people will spontaneously yawn - much like I have done while writing this article.

How many times did you yawn while reading this?

]]>Wed, 10 Jan 2018 13:11:44 GMTYou know that fairly irritating phrase, “Now you’re eating for two!”? Well, that doesn’t just apply to eating. During sleeping your body is repairing itself, restoring muscle and other day to day wear and tear, as well as replenishing and keeping your body in tip top condition generally.

That means that a lot of important stuff for the development of the foetus, and pregnancy in general goes on while you’re sleeping, and being well rested and healthy is pretty crucial in the daytime too.

However, along with all the other aches, pains, stresses and discomforts of being pregnant comes trouble sleeping, for a huge percentage of women. Often caused by the various hormonal changes, stresses and anxieties, as well as the standard discomfort, struggling to sleep can be really tough, and make a hard time even harder. As the months go by you could find yourself heading to the toilet more than three times a night, or struggling to just find a comfortable position to fall asleep in.

That’s why we’ve come up with a list of the best ways to improve sleep during pregnancy! Some are common sense, some are weird tricks, and some are pretty obvious. However, when you’re struggling to sleep, it’s a case of catching out where you’re going wrong, and dealing with it.

Exercise As Much As Is Safe

I know the exercise you can perform when you’re heavily pregnant is pretty limited, but what you can do, you should. Exercise is great for pregnancy, for the baby and you. Walking and generally moving around are great for improving sleep, but so is light yoga and stretching, as they can improve circulation and help prevent cramps at night. However, there are a lot of exercises you can’t do while pregnant, so research what you can and can’t do, and don’t work too hard. One thing to dodge is exercising within a couple of hours of sleeping, as adrenaline within the body isn’t helpful for sleep.

Expect Bad Dreams

Reportedly, 59% of women suffer from nightmares and sleep terrors during pregnancy. This is just your self-preservation instinct amped, as your body tries to look after you and your baby. It’s nothing to worry about and you shouldn’t let it disturb your sleep. As hard as it might seem, you need to just ignore the bad dreams, which can be incredibly strange, and get back to sleep.

Negate Nausea

When you’re trying to get to sleep, or just waking up, nausea can strike. This can be really disruptive, especially if it’s in the middle of the night, and is very common during pregnancy. No one likes hopping out of bed, rushing to the toilet, and then having to attempt sleep again five minutes later. A great way to deal with nausea can be keeping some bland biscuit-type snacks by the bed, which you can snack on to alleviate nausea and keep your stomach settled.

Get Some Sun

Studies have shown that spending a little time in the sun during the day can help boost sleep during pregnancy, due to vitamin D, which you can only get through sunlight. Sunlight has a lot of benefits while pregnant, including links to taller, stronger babies!

Minimise Stress

This one isn’t really limited to while you’re pregnant. Stress has been shown to cause all sorts of unhealthy conditions and issues, the least of which is sleeping difficulties. Getting rid of stress from your life and becoming much more relaxed and centred is always going to help you sleep undisturbed. Other ways of dealing with stress include light exercise, healthy eating, and meditation, but there’s loads of other tricks out there.

Experiment with Napping

If you’re really suffering and getting very little sleep, start taking mid-afternoon naps. A short half hour nap mid-afternoon can really help mitigate the effects of missed sleep. Contrary to popular opinion, day napping doesn’t have to impact how well you sleep at night, as long as you don’t nap for more than about forty minutes, or nap within a couple hours of going to bed. Napping, done right, can make you feel much better, and help manage sleep difficulties.

Conversely, if you’re napping for hours at a time during the day, and you’re struggling to sleep at night, maybe it’s time to start focusing on your night sleep. It’s all about taking it as it comes, and dealing with problems as they happen.

Get Comfy!

Your body is changing shape, and as such you need to start supporting yourself properly in bed. Key to this is buying lots of different thickness pillows, as well as a quality mattress. There’s also good and bad sleeping positions.

There are a number of positions that should absolutely be avoided after a certain period. Once you’re past twenty weeks, you should avoid lying on your back flat, as it’s not healthy or good for you. An ideal position is on your left side, large pillow to support your head, and a supportive mattress, as this allows great blood flow to your baby, kidneys and uterus.

Diet is Huge

So many issues in life are exacerbated or even completely caused by dietary issues, especially sleep. From bad diet to allergies, diet can really dictate a huge number of health problems, both mental and physical. You should have already got rid of caffeine and alcohol, which are the traditional culprits when it comes to bad sleep. If you’re struggling with nausea, keeping a little food in your belly generally is very helpful. Eating a well-balanced diet is absolutely crucial while pregnant. A decent diet covering all essential vitamins and minerals is going to support you and the baby, and help you sleep much more soundly.

Always Err On The Side of Safety

If you’re getting persistent, ongoing insomnia, you need to go see a doctor. Insomnia and missing sleep is incredibly draining, and really unhealthy for your mental and physical state. If all the solutions presented here simply aren’t helping out, you absolutely need professional help. Especially at this time in your life, you’re sleeping for two, remember, you need quality sleep.

]]>Mon, 03 Jul 2017 14:01:25 GMTIntroduction

Trying to gain a good night’s sleep when you have anxiety can be a highly trying event. Many people with anxiety will find that it can be quite difficult to fall asleep, since it is harder for the person to shut their brains down in order to reach their needed slumber.

Knowing that there are ways in which it can be made easier to fall asleep for a person with anxiety is the first step. Identifying different techniques and establishing a process that helps in falling asleep faster is something that will help the person ongoing. This article will address different ways in which the person with anxiety can gain a full night’s sleep.

Why Anxiety Creates Insomnia

When you have a lot on your mind it is not easy to shut off just because it is time to go to sleep. Lying down in bed is only the first step in trying to reach a successful slumber. For a person with anxiety, learning how to shut off their brains from overthinking is a necessary step. The old idea of counting sheep is not too far off the mark. The main thing a person needs to do is to stop thinking about the things that are making them worry. It is not actually possible to just ‘stop thinking’ altogether; therefore, the best method to overcome this is to choose another subject to think about that is as basic as it can be and free from any connection to the subjects which cause the person anxiety.

Types of thoughts which can aid in reaching sleep faster include:

Very basic images, based on one colour only. Examples include a blue circle, a black hole, green triangle etc. By choosing something to focus on which is as close to one dimensional as possible it will lead to the brain becoming bored and falling asleep.

A cloud. Imagine yourself on a cloud floating through the sky where the only thing you can see is the blue of the sky. No birds, no houses, nothing. Just knowing that the cloud is your bed and you can only see blue.

Complex math. In the same way that something very basic will make you tired, something complex can also make you tired. By adding the multiplication table in your mind methodically through each number your brain will not be able to think about other matters that cause you anxiety. At some point your brain will just switch off and a good night’s sleep will ensue.

Other necessary requirements to a solid night sleep for someone with anxiety include:

A solid mattress. A mattress that is chosen by you, either soft or hard, will help to gain sleep faster. If you are trying to sleep on a mattress that is too hard for you or too soft, you will not be able to reach a comfortable level as fast and the distress of being uncomfortable will inevitably lead to anxiety in its own right.

Good pillows. There are many different types of pillows and finding the right one for you is imperative to reaching a good night sleep for anyone, but especially for people who suffer from anxiety. Your head needs to be as comfortable as possible in order for your body to relax. Trying to sleep on a pillow that you don’t like will definitely lead to a focus on anxiety and will keep you awake longer.

Temperature. By opening a window and creating a bit of a draft in the room, you will be able to fall asleep faster. Slightly cooler temperatures have been proven effective for sleeping with anxiety and the fresh air will also help clear the mind.

Darkness and Quiet. This cannot be understated – attempting to fall asleep in a half lit, semi noisy room is not easy for anyone but least of all for a person that has anxiety. Make sure the lights are off and the TV is too. Plasma screen clocks should be replaced with ones that do not light up the room.

Conclusion

As can be seen, there are a number of different methods and techniques for gaining a good night sleep when anxiety is an issue. Much of it takes practice – learning to clear your mind at night is something that is ongoing and could be difficult at first, but will get easier with time. It is important to remember the physical needs of sleep: a good mattress, good pillows, darkness, coolness and quiet. By incorporating all these items into your bedroom and your sleeping routine, you will be able to maintain excellent sleep.

]]>Thu, 18 May 2017 09:53:43 GMTMany of us envy those up can jump up straight out of bed in the morning full of life and energy. We cannot stand those who are 'morning people' (or larks) as we still feel sluggish and half asleep.

It's a common thought that being a 'morning person' is hardwired into us. We are built with those genes that make us such a person. A person that can start each day full of vigour.

The rest of us (the majority) fall in the middle. Labelled as 'hummingbirds' we could have our most productive hours both early and late into the day. So if you genuinely feel very sluggish in the mornings, it's not entirely your fault.

The good news however, we can modify our daily behaviour to help encourage our body and mind to become more like a morning person.

Here are 6 tips on how to become a morning person.

Stop hitting that snooze button

Hitting that snooze button when our alarm goes off is incredibly tempting. But what you may not realise is that you may be doing more harm than good. Our bodies are programmed to naturally wake up and the advancement of technology has robbed us of getting proper rest.

Many of us live in a state of sleep inertia which is the feeling of 'morning grogginess' that is followed by an abrupt awakening.

While we need our alarm clocks to help us to get work on time, we don't need those extra 5 or 10 minutes that snoozing gives us. As the old saying goes, "you snooze you lose".

When we start to snooze, our bodies start the sleep cycle over again. Breaking this sleep cycle when it's just started makes us even more tired than when our alarm originally went off.

So instead of setting your alarm for earlier than when you actually want to get out of bed, set it for the exact time. This will leave you with no time to snooze and over time, will help you wake up brighter and happier.

Workout in the morning

Working out in the morning has a vast amount of benefits that can help all aspects of your day. Working out is often a task left to the end of the day when the majority of our energy and willpower has already been spent.

Throughout the day, we can create a lot of excuses not to workout at the end of the day. Such excuses as "I've already had such a hard day" or "I have so much to do when I get home".

But if we tackle our workout routines first thing in the morning, we can feel great about the rest of the day. Research has shown that our willpower is at an all time high during the mornings, which slowly depletes over the course of the day.

Early morning workouts can help increase our energy levels for the rest of the day. This is due to the increased body temperature and the elevated adrenaline levels.

Stick to a routine

Having a routine is key to becoming more of a morning person. Routines make sure our bodies are not shocked into something they are not prepared for. If we go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, our bodies will get used to this. They are prepared!

A routine is easier during the weekdays as most of us will be getting up for work. The trouble starts at the weekend. But it's highly encouraged that we stick to our routines during the weekend.

Plan for the next day ahead

Stress can wreak havoc on our sleep and energy levels. Planning for the next day have great influence on how happy we are. It's said that 25% of our happiness hinges on how well we're able to manage our individual stress.

So before you hit the sack, make sure you plan for the day ahead. Write down what you want to achieve, make your lunch and pick out your clothes. Doing all this will ease the stress on your mind, leaving you to have a more productive and stress free morning.

Remove screens from the bedroom

This may be hard for some people but you should be removing all electronic screens from your bedroom. This includes all phones, TV’s and laptops. Studies have shown that watching TV before bed can have an impact on how quickly you fall asleep and how well you sleep.

Removing screens from the bedroom will encourage you not to use them before sleep. Instead, reading a book or taking a bath can help promote a good night's sleep.

Limit the caffeine and alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol are terrible for sleep promotion. Caffeine, while great for the morning to get you going, ingesting it too late in the day can have an influence on how quickly you fall to sleep.

Research has suggested that caffeine can reset your internal body clocks, delaying the rise in melatonin levels. The sleep hormone is vital for us to get a good night’s sleep, and anything that gets in the way of melatonin will end up making us feel groggy in the morning.

There is a large misconception that alcohol can help you sleep. While it may get you to sleep quicker, the quality of sleep you have while alcohol is in your system is far less great than without it. Interrupted sleep will leave you wondering if you actually slept at all.

Try and limit the consumption of both caffeine and alcohol, especially a few hours before bed. Instead, drinking a calming hot drink such as chamomile tea can actually help you sleep.

]]>Thu, 23 Feb 2017 13:52:40 GMT

That time of year is nearly upon us again where the clocks will change, and yes, this is the good one where you get an extra hour in bed.

Each and every year, we in the UK twice experience a change in our clocks where they either go forward or backwards one hour. Many of us forget when this happens, or which one is the ‘good one’ where we get that extra hour in bed before work.

So here’s everything you need to know about 2016’s clock change.

When do the clocks go back?

We are currently using the Daylight Saving Time (also known as British Summer Time). This time zone allows longer spells of daylight in the evenings.

But as of Sunday 30th October 2016 at 2am, the UK will revert back to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) by going back to 1am. Be sure to change the clocks around the house on Sunday morning.

Why does this happen?

This all happens because we initially move our clocks an hour forward close to the start of spring so that our evening daylight lasts an hour longer.

By moving our clocks back an hour every last Sunday in October, we are reverting back to Standard Time

When do the clocks go forward again?

Every last Sunday in March, our clocks go forward one hour and British Summer Time (BST) begins. The last Sunday in March 2017 falls on the 26th, so we won’t see lighter evenings until then.

Some lesser known facts about the clocks going back

1. 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of Daylight Saving Time

William Willett first introduced the idea of Daylight Saving Time (later to be coined British Summer Time) in 1907. The system was already in place in Germany and was working well. However the British nation did not take too kindly to the notion of changing the clocks which led Willett to write a pamphlet using his own financial resources titled “The Waste of Daylight”.

From then on, Willett spend the remainder of his life trying to convince people that his idea would be useful. In 1915, Willett unfortunately died at the age of 58 and did not see his idea of Daylight Saving Time come into law the following year.

2. Retailers bemoan the clock changes

Reverting back to GMT means that evenings will become darker, thus leading to the likelihood that less people will be shopping during these times.

However, with the onset of the busy Christmas period, the damage done by the shorter evenings could be reverted.

3. Coal supply during World War One was helped by the time changes

Changing the clocks to BST during the summer allowed for more daylight during the evenings. This change meant that people would be using less coal for domestic use, thus increasing the supplies available for supporting the war.

4. “Spring forward, fall back”

To help you remember which way the clocks change each year, learn the short phrase “Spring forward, fall back”. The clocks go forward 1 hour in the spring to BST, while in Autumn (fall), they ‘fall backwards’ 1 hour in the final Sunday of October, reverting back to Standard Time (GMT).

5. Only a seventh of the world’s population will be affected by clock changes

The likes of Ireland, Israel, Portugal and Spain are among the countries that will change their clocks the same time as us. Most other countries also change their times, but within slightly different time zones.

But overall, around one billion people will be affected by clock changes. That’s about a seventh of the world’s population. Clock changes are largely related to latitude - countries that are closer to the equator tend to experience extremely little change in daylight hours, meaning that don’t require a shift in time.

]]>Thu, 27 Oct 2016 10:18:22 GMTThe age old saying “the early bird gets the worm” is drilled into us at a young age in an attempt to encourage us to start our days early to get things done. But not all of us are early risers as some of us prefer to burn the midnight oil.

Researchers at the University of Surrey found that it boils down to our genes whether we’re an early riser or a night owl. In short, if you have a long version of the Period 3 gene, you are more likely to prefer very early mornings. On the other end of the spectrum, if you have a shorter version of the gene, your preference will sway towards enjoying longer evenings.

However, there are many other factors that play an important role in determining what type of sleeper you are.

There have been countless articles and studies on why staying up late is bad for you and why we should try to avoid it. But not everything is doom and gloom. Studies have also suggested there are huge benefits, so here are 11 reasons why it’s great to be a night owl.

1. Evidence for higher scores on general intelligence tests

A study performed at the University of Madrid looked at the circadian rhythms of around 1,000 teenagers to get a better understanding on their natural body clock. These tests determined whether they were classified as night or morning person by looking at their sleeping patterns and when they seemed to be at their intellectual peak.

The study found 1 in 4 of the teenagers were deemed morning people, while around 32 percent were perceived as night owls. The rest of the teenagers could not be classified as either early bird or a night owl.

What followed was a series of tests that measured intelligence and school performance. Night owls scored highly on tests for inductive reasoning compared to morning people which often serves as an estimate of general intelligence.

Although the night owls grades were shown as 8 percent lower than larks. It should be pointed out that this may be down to the fact that school tests tend to be during the mornings, a time where night owls tend to perform worse.

2. You enjoy peak performances in strength

While this may not be useful for everyone, in some lines of work it could be quite beneficial.

A study at the University of Alberta found that night owls saw an increase in leg strength at night as they seemed to hit peak performance during this time. On the other side, the early birds leg strength seemed to remain constant throughout the day.

Early birds’ brains were found to be most excitable around 9 a.m. which then slowly decreased throughout the day. Night owls saw their brain excitement peak around 9 p.m. giving them an increase in strength. Athletes who are night owls that train and compete in the morning however, may be at a disadvantage compared to early risers as their performances on average should be about the same, regardless of time of competition.

3. Larger likelihood to have creative breakthroughs

Many of us have been there, metaphorically hitting a brick wall trying to think creatively in critical moments. But for those night owls, you may have an advantage when it comes to being creative.

A study carried out by the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan found that night owls aced the tests which looked at their creative thinking. The early birds however, struggled with the test and found it hard to score over 50%.

The lead author of the study, Marina Giampietro, said this creativity for night owls could be accredited to the “development of a non-conventional spirit and the ability to find alternative and original solutions.”

4. You’re in good company

There are many famouses who proclaim to be night owls. From Winston Churchill to Bob Dylan. Their sleep schedule was accredited to a lot of their success.

Churchill had such an irregular sleeping pattern that it was said that he held War Cabinet meetings in his bath.

Barack Obama, back in 2009, told Newsweek that he is a self proclaimed night owl and that he likes to stay up late to relax and read.

“I usually have about a half hour to read before I go to bed… about midnight, 12:30a.m. - sometimes a little later.”

5. You can remain mentally alert for longer after waking

In 2009, a study was performed by the University of Liege in Belgium. This study monitored the brain activity of extreme early risers and extreme night owls. The early risers were happy to go to sleep at 11pm and rise at 7am while the night owls had no trouble staying up until at least 3am and happily rose at 11am.

Both the early risers and the night owls had their brain activity measured as soon as they awoke, and then again 10.5 hours later.

What was found was that on the first test, both sets of participants scored very similarly, but on the 2nd test, 10.5 hours later, the early birds had significantly lower brain activity than night owls in regions linked to attention and the circadian master clock.

So night owls can be tasked with jobs that require sustained focus for more than 10 or so hours, while early risers’ performance may dwindle.

6. You require less sleep to function for extended periods of time

This point relates back to being able to remain mentally alert for longer. Studies have shown that even though early birds and night owls both got 7 hours of sleep, it was the early birds that began to deteriorate in brain activity much quicker than the night owls.

Both the early birds and night owls went to bed at their respective bedtimes, but early birds had a harder time paying attention as the day wore on.

This study lead researchers to believe that night owls needed less sleep than their counterparts.

7. You can adapt and be flexible within the workplace

A night owls flexibility when it comes to work far exceeds that of an early riser. We’ve already found out that night owls can remain mentally active for longer periods, as well as being able to function properly on less sleep.

Within a working environment, this can prove to be invaluable - especially when you’re a business owner with unpredictable working hours.

Night owls are able to get through the normal 9 - 5 working day, while still having the mental activity afterwards to carry on and pursue other projects. Early risers tend to dwindle towards the end of the working day and this carries on throughout the early evening.

This is especially advantageous for night shift workers who won’t be bothered by the late nights. Early risers will find it extremely hard to cope with such working conditions and may not even be able to hold down a night shift job due to their gene setup.

8. You have the strength to meet deadlines

Deadlines can creep up on us without us really knowing. They’re the bane of any workplace, but night owls are genetically more equipped to deal with them.

Work that has to be done before the next morning can spring up on us from time to time and this may require us to stay late to get it done.

With their ability to stay mentally active for longer periods of time, night owls thrive when it comes to deadlines.

9. You can deepen your social circles

After a long, hard days work, many people emotionally shut themselves off and unwind in front of the TV. Night owls however, still have the physical and emotional reserves to visit friends, attend classes at the gym or go out for drinks.

Early risers tire easily during the early evenings and may find themselves lagging behind their night owl friends when it comes to social gatherings after work.

10. You have time for fitness

The general consensus is that you shouldn’t exercise too late as this could impair your ability to sleep. This does not necessarily apply to night owls though as you will be heading to bed much later than those early risers.

By exercising later in the day, you will miss the morning rush and you may experience an overall better workout. You may find yourself not performing to your maximum early in the morning, but during the early evening, you’ve been awake for most of the day and you’ll have the energy to perform at your best.

Takeaways

I hope after reading this you may be more comfortable with the fact you’re a night owl. Some people are genetically built to feel and work better during the evening hours, whereas others love an early rise.

The best thing to do is listen to what your body is telling you and act accordingly. Try not to push your body into being an early bird or night owl as this may not work.

]]>Thu, 08 Sep 2016 11:36:57 GMTSleep is something that we all have in common. Our body and mind need sleep. So much so that poor sleeping patterns have been widely linked to an increase in bad health.

The argument on how much sleep is necessary for the average human is an ongoing debate, one that looks like a definitive conclusion is still far off, but I think we can all agree sleep as a whole is hugely important to us as humans.

Many argue that the required amount of sleep one needs varies from person to person. You may only properly function after a solid 8 hours sleep while your ‘morning friend’ is bright and perky after just 6 hours. This seems highly unfair, but it is what it is. However there are ways to help combat that ‘groggy morning’ feeling.

So with it agreed that sleep is hugely important, just what goes on while we sleep and why is so important to our overall health? See the infographic below.

]]>Wed, 17 Feb 2016 10:04:49 GMTSmartphones have taken over our lives with many perceiving that all this technology at our fingertips is enhancing our lives greatly. While this may be true for a lot of situations, there is one in particular that smartphones definitely does not help with.

There have been countless studies detailing the effects of exposure to the blue light emitted from electronics such as smartphones and tablets at night and many, if not all, conclude that this ‘blue light’ affects the quality and quantity of sleep we get.

With a large percentage of us (especially the younger generations) keeping our devices at arms length in the bedroom, our tendency to expose ourselves to this disrupting light is at an all time high. From checking Twitter to replying to work emails, it’s very easy for us to forgot the effects of technology at night.

The Science Behind The Blue Light

The reason for the bright blue light from smartphone devices is so that you can see them even during the sunniest times of the day.

While this is all well and good during the day, at night our brain becomes confused and still thinks the sun is still out causing us to stop producing melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that anticipates the daily onset of darkness, and one that helps us regulate our sleeping pattern.

The disruption of melatonin can cause number of other problems also. A lack of sleep over a long period of time can increase the likelihood of a neurotoxin build up which can make it even harder for you to get a good night’s sleep. It becomes a vicious circle.

Not only that, suppressed melatonin levels and those whose body clocks are thrown off by frequent blue light exposure are more prone to depression.

Apple To The Rescue

Thankfully, smartphone developer Apple are looking to address this issue following ongoing concern from scientists and the media.

Apple are no stranger to the notion that smartphone use at night is on the rise. With influential media outlets proclaiming the use of smartphones at night is bad for our health, it’s in Apple’s great interest to help address the situation. After all, they definitely don’t want people using their smart devices less.

This is where iOS 9.3 comes into play. While 9.3 is yet to be given an official release date, Apple have given us a iOS 9.3 preview featuring all the updates main talking points.

The one feature in particular that made me take notice was the introduction of “Night Shift”, a feature to “help you get a good night’s sleep”.

Not much information was given on the feature, but the feature simply uses your device’s clock and geolocation to determine the arrival of sunset and then automatically shift it’s colours to a level which won’t disrupt your circadian rhythm.

With so many electrical devices at the ready in the modern day and countless studies talking unfavourably about using these devices before bed, it begs the question as to why companies like Apple are just starting to take notice.

Nevertheless, Night Shift is on it’s way to an Apple product near you, so you can safely try and beat level 209 on Candy Crush before bed without worry.

How useful will the new iOS feature 'Night Shift' be to you?

]]>Wed, 13 Jan 2016 13:20:15 GMT**THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED**

For one week, and one week only, we’re giving you the opportunity to enter and win a bedframe and mattress combo worth up to an RRP of £949.

Along with the double bedframe, we’re also giving away a standard double Delhia mattress.

To enter this competition, simply submit your name and email address in the box below. The competition will run from the 26th October to 1st November 2015. The winner will be emailed on the 2nd November 2015.

Competition Rules and Terms & Conditions

By entering this competition you are agreeing to MyBedFrames storing and using your information for marketing purposes. We will not share your information with third parties, and you can opt out at any time by unsubscribing from emails or emailing us directly.

Entries must be submitted by 11:59pm GMT 1st November 2015. Any entries after this date will not be counted.

Please read the following competition rules carefully. If you enter the Barcelona Oak competition, we will assume that you have read these rules and that you agree to them.

You must be a UK resident

You must be at least 18 years old at the time of entry

All entries must be submitted by 11:59pm GMT 1st November 2015. Any entries after this date will not be counted

Delivery will only be made to UK mainland addresses only

Only one entry per person

The winner will be selected at random on 2nd November 2015

If you win the competition, we will notify you via e-mail. If we cannot contact you, or you do not respond within one week, we reserve the right to offer the prize's to another randomly selected competition entrant

Delivery of the Barcelona Oak Bed Frame will be unassembled

The prize's may NOT be swapped for a cash equivalent or another product

Failture to comply with these rules will result in disqualification from the competition.

]]>Mon, 26 Oct 2015 10:04:05 GMTFor many of us, waking up early for work or the morning school run can leave in a state of sleep inertia (or ‘morning grogginess’). I’m sure we’ve all experienced this at least once throughout our life.

As soon as we awake, morning grogginess can instantly be felt, with a noticeable decline in our motor dexterity and mental alertness. This feeling doesn’t bode well with people who have to drive their car in the morning, that’s for sure.

Modern life has certainly played it’s part in ensuring that many of us feel this state of morning grogginess on a regular basis.

But as with most lifestyle choices, there are ways to help combat morning grogginess and make you feel more awake. The infographic below outlines 16 ways to help combat sleep inertia and make you feel like a ‘new you’ in the mornings.

Many theories simply state that it is our brain managing memories. Although scientists still aren't completely sure, they believe dreaming is a result of our brain processing emotions, reflecting desires, and solving the problems in our lives through a series of thoughts and sensations.

Some people dream more than others, and some claim to be 'prone' to nightmares. But why? It appears that our dreams can be influenced by our habits/behaviours during the day.

What Influences Our Dreams?

Foods

Yes, what you eat before bed does influence your dreams - it’s not a myth!

Eating spicy foods and certain cheeses can cause indigestion, which makes you stir more as your stomach would be uncomfortable.This makes it more likely that you’ll remember a nightmare.

Big meals before bed act in a similar way. It means you are digesting food, using more energy, which creates more heat, stopping you from cooling down to the level where you are able to rest. A late night snack increases metabolism, which signals the brain to be more active. This will cause discomfort, leading to bad dreams.

I suggest eating big meals 2-3 hours before bed; but don’t go to bed on an empty stomach as hunger leads to dreaming about food!

Sounds & Smells

The environment around you when you sleep can affect your dreams.

Our minds interpret the noise occurring around us whilst we sleep because there is a narrow window for sounds to get into your brain. For example, if you can hear music whilst sleeping, it is more likely you’ll dream about something music related.

Surprisingly, even smells have a significant impact on dreams. It is as simple as pleasant smells give you positive dreams, whilst horrible odors give you negative dreams.

Video Games

Shocking, I know! This might be considered a benefit for those who play Xbox or PlaysStation. Video game players are able to be more aware, which makes it easier to control the unconscious mind. Apaprently this makes it more likely for 'gamers' to have lucid dreams(where you are able to control your dreams whilst asleep).

Why Do I Have Nightmares?

Some of you might be asking: Why do I have nightmares? What causes my bad dreams? So here's a lost of causes and tips for reducing nightmares:

Cause: Depression and anxiety. If you have suicidal tendencies in your dreams, it may be because of stress, conflict, fear and emotional problems.

Remedy: To help with this, do regular exercise and yoga to reduce stress and anxiety. Make sure your bedroom is a tranquil environment, and not associated with stressful activities to help you sleep better. Sweet smells, like having flowers beside your bed, can help you have positive dreams.

Cause: Drugs and alcohol. These disrupt the normal sleep cycle and leads to fragmented sleep. It is also said that alcohol dependency causes negative dreams.

Cause: Previous traumatic experiences. Your dreams could reflect this and replay in your mind if not solved.

Remedy: If this is a constant case, I suggest seeing a therapist.

Why Do I Keep Having the Same Dream?

Am I alone?

You may think that there must be something wrong with you if you keep on having the same nightmare over and over again, right? Worry not, because your dreams can have meanings.

People have similar dreams. The most common are being chased, and falling. Being chased in your dream can suggest that you are running away from a problem that needs to be solved, or alternatively there’s a threat in your waking life. If you experience falling in your dreams, it could symbolise insecurity or lack of support.

Nudity is also one of the most common dreams, which symbolising a struggle with revealing your true self to others. You may feel vulnerable and exposed to others.

A few changes in your life can prevent you from having those nightmares, and as a result, get a better night of sleep.

For more information on dreaming, and the stages of sleep, click here.

]]>Thu, 25 Jun 2015 10:08:13 GMTWhen it’s said that we can clock up around 227,468 hours of sleep during our lives (roughly one third), it’s no wonder that we can probably all agree that a decent mattress is essential to any bedroom.

Our sleep quality has a huge effect on the rest of our day, leaving those that had a restless night prone to a unproductive day due to a lack of energy and motivation.

Your state of mental health, physical health, quality of life and safety can largely be attributed to your sleeping habits which makes sleep hugely important.

So with your quality of sleep relying a lot on the condition of your mattress, it’s important to get clued up on the signs that your mattress just might be on it’s last legs.

Restless Nights

But constant restless nights and waking up with aches and pains can certainly be accredited to a poor or old mattress. These restless nights can even alter our genes and have a profound effect on the internal workings of our body.

If you ever experience a much better night’s sleep in your friend’s guest bed or in a hotel you might want to take a closer look at your own mattress.

A Noisy Nuisance

Turning over in the middle of the night and being disturbed by the loud springy noise of your mattress is never a welcome sound.

Even if you’re a not very fidgety, your partner might be and he/she could be keeping you up all night as they move and make the mattress create a pinging sound.

While being in a state of sleep deprivation, you may hastily want to chuck out your mattress and be done with it for good. But you may be able to remedy the situation, as it may not even be your mattress at all.

Diana Rixon over at Style Me Pretty has blogged about the problem before. She offers solutions such as turning over your mattress, checking that it’s not your bed that’s making the noise and also checking that it’s not your bedroom flooring. All her suggested solutions should be tried before taking the decision to ditch your mattress.

Partner Empathy

Sometimes, it may be the case that you’re sleeping soundly yet your partner is tossing and turning in frustration.

We’ve all had sleepless nights so it shouldn’t be too hard to understand and empathize with their irritation.

The best thing to do is communicate with your significant other and try and get to the bottom of their restless sleeping. It may be the case that the problem boils down to the mattress. What may be good for you, may not always be good for them. Try and find a happy medium.

If you end up finding you cannot find a mattress thickness and cushion that suits you both, it may be high time that you invest in a zip-and-link mattress which will allow you to personalise your side of the mattress.

Visible Dips

A sagging mattress is easy to identify, but not always as easy to rectify. A sagging mattress could be down to a couple of reasons.

It could be that your mattresses springs have worn over time and are not supporting you correctly anymore. This is more noticeable when your mattress sits on top of a firm box spring frame. Fixing the mattress dip can be as simple as using spare blankets you have in the house.

If your mattress sits on top of a flexible frame, it could be the frame that needs additional support, not your mattress. It’s always important to double check this, as you don’t want to be fixing something that isn’t broken.

If all else fails and you still wake up with a stiff back, it’s probably about time to change your mattress for a new one.

Spikey Springs

The last thing you want in the middle of the night is the feeling of a spring digging into your side as you turn over.

When you’re able to feel the springs in your mattress, it’s a huge telltale sign that your mattress is on it’s way out.

It’s possible to try and alleviate the problem by using a mattress topper, such as a memory foam one, but these will not always 100% fix the problem. You still may feel the springs, and it certainly won’t stop any noises coming from them.

7 Years Old

A mattress that’s 7 years old and has been used regularly throughout that time has lost much of it’s comfort and support. While you may not feel as though it has because you’re used to it, you’ll probably be surprised just how good a new mattress feels.

If you honestly think your mattress is past it, it’s time cut your ties with it and start shopping for a new one. Your physical and mental state will be happy you did.

If you feel any of these signs relate to you, it’s probably time to start thinking about a new mattress.

]]>Tue, 02 Jun 2015 13:43:55 GMTIt’s been proven that the amount of time we get to spend in bed is decreasing, meaning that we are spending more time awake and less time asleep than ever before.

While it’s important to get enough sleep, the quality of our sleep is more important than the number of hours racked up. In fact, some research suggests that sleeping too much can be as detrimental to your health as not sleeping enough. Oversleeping is linked to depression, obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

But repeatedly getting less sleep than you need is harmful too. The trick is to find the sweet spot for yourself – it won’t be 8 hours (that’s just an average estimate – everyone is unique in the amount of sleep they need). Once you’ve figured out the right number for you, focus on making sure it’s quality sleep you’re getting.

How to Improve Your Quality of Sleep

Are you in sleep “debt”?

Sleep debt is the difference between the amount of sleep you need and amount the amount you actually get. Every time you sacrifice on sleep, you add to the debt. However, don’t think that sleeping in on the weekends is enough to ‘pay it back’.

“You cannot make up for large sleep losses during the week by sleeping in on weekends any more than you can make up for lack of regular exercise and overeating during the week by working out and dieting only on the weekends”

Dr. Maas, author of Power Sleep, recommends going to bed earlier to help pay off your sleep debt, as this maintains your normal waking time. You could could also consider taking a couple of naps. Read more about sleep debt here.

Once you have paid off any sleep debt, you should aim to go to bed and to get up at the same time every day. Over time this will set your internal clock, making it not only easier to go to sleep and wake up, but also ensuring a better quality of sleep.

TIP: Keep a sleep diary. Note down when you go to bed, when you wake up and how you feel during the day. This will help you to understand your individual patterns of sleep.

Knock 30-60 minutes off of the time you spend ‘trying to sleep’

> Control your mind: your state of mind plays a big role in your ability to sleep (and sleep deeply). If you’re worried or anxious, you will find it harder to get to sleep. There are multiple ways to combat this, the trick is to find one that works for you:

Other ways to improve your sleep quality

We tend to think of sleep as an inconvenience, but sleep has a significant impact on our health and wellbeing. Investing in your sleep quality will make you a happier and healthier person (and stop feelings of fatigue throughout the day).

> Exercise: A study has concluded that people sleep significantly better and feel more alert during the day if they get at least 150 minutes of exercise a week.

> Invest in a good bed: Considering that you use your bed every single night, never underestimate the power of a good mattress/pillows/sheets. You can’t expect to sleep well if you’re not comfortable.

Bad Night? How to Feel More Awake During the Day

Okay, so I appreciate that investing in your sleep can take a long of time, and adjustments, that aren’t easy to implement overnight. I also know that sometimes a bad night of sleep just happens – whether intentional or unintentional. In those instances, you just want to be able to make it through the day and shake the feelings of drowsiness away.

> Eat well: you won’t have energy without the proper fuel.

> Keep busy: Fight off drowsiness with stimulating activities. If you feel yourself getting drowsy or sleepy during the day, counter it by doing something that keeps you busy; washing the dishes, going for a walk or even calling a friend.

> Get some sun: Just 15 minutes in the sun increases your vitamin D levels, which, along with vitamin B is responsible for fighting fatigue.

Tips to Take Away

It’s not about the amount of time you sleep for, but about the quality of the sleep you do get.

A 15 minute nap can save you 2 hours of sleep at night.

Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.

If you miss out on sleep, make sure you go to bed earlier to help pay it back.

]]>Wed, 22 Apr 2015 09:01:08 GMTHumans may rule the Earth, but the world is full of amazing animals of all shapes and sizes, and we're only just starting to learn how truly remarkable they are.

When it comes to sleep, scientists still don't fully understand the ins and outs of it. We know that sleep is an essential part of life (total sleep deprivation leads to death), but we're still unsure as to the reasons why sleep is so important.

How Animals Sleep

Studying the various different sleeping habits of other animals, can help scientists crack the puzzle of sleep.

Did you know that certain marine animals can sleep underwater? And that some migrating birds can fly for six months straight without ever touching the ground? check out the infographic below for more amazing facts abaout how animals sleep.

Animal Sleeping Facts Explained

Dolphins and whales have the ability to sleep with only one-half of their brain at a time. This prevents them from drowining in their sleep.

The method is known as “logging” and it has been observed in bottlenose dolphins. During sleep, the bottlenose dolphin shuts down only half of its brain, whilst the other half remains ‘awake’ at a low level of alertness.

This allows the dolphin to retain control of their blowhole (through which they breathe), preventing them from drowning. An extract from an article in Scientific American:

Although still a matter of discussion, most researchers feel that in order to breathe, a dolphin or whale must be conscious and alert to recognize its blowhole is at the surface.

Sea Otters will sometimes hold hands when they sleep so they don't drift away from each other.

Sea otters often eat, rest, and sleep together while floating in groups called rafts. A raft may have a few otters, or hundreds! Rafting sea otters sometimes “hold hands” to stay together.

Giraffes can go weeks without sleep. Being large and rather slow animals, they're constantly vulnerable to attacks from predators, and therefore cannot sleep for long periods.

Giraffes have developed some pretty unique sleeping habits, and sleep the least of any mammal.

When they're young, giraffes lay down to sleep, tucking their legs underneath their bodies and curling their heads round to rest on their rumps. However, adult giraffes in the wild barely get a chance to sleep in such luxury; and are forced instead to sleep standing up in short bursts. In fact, they almost never sleep for longer than 5 minutes at a time.

Scientists have found that migrating birds can fly for 200 days straight, eating and sleeping while soaring through the sky.

The Alpine swift was studied by a group of scientists in 2011, and it was discovered that they appeared to fly nonstop.

The swifts eat bugs in mid-air, so that explains why they don't starve. But the results "raise the question of how or whether these birds sleep". The swifts activity appeared to raise and fall during flight, and the researchers speculate that the birds might still be able to control their flying while sleeping. The team concludes that "swifts do at least to some extent sleep while airborne." - Conservation Magazine

Cows like to sleep close to their families, and sleepng arrangements are determined by individuals' rank in the social hierarchy.

Cows are actually very intelligent, and have a social hierarchy with a ‘boss’ cow. Any cows that don’t follow the leader become isolated from the herd.

Horses, Zebras and Elephants can sleep standing up. This is because they are 'prey' animals, and need to remain alert in case they are attacked.

Horses, zebras and elephants are just 3 examples of animals that can sleep standing up, because it allows them to quickly escape an attack by a predator (the process of standing up can be slow and clumsy).

However, horses, zebras and elephants will lie down when they require REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. Typically, the amount of REM sleep they require is very small, so they don’t need to lie down often.

]]>Wed, 15 Apr 2015 10:04:31 GMTWhen it comes to decorating, there’s an area that’s always overlooked – and it’s one of the biggest surface areas in almost every room; the ceiling!

The bedroom is one the best rooms where you can experiment with a decorated ceiling. I mean, after all, we do spend a lot of time staring at the ceiling when we’re laying in bed trying to sleep, right?

Here’s some simple bedroom ceiling ideas to get your creative juices flowing. If you find some more (or even have your own unique bedroom ceiling) please do share them with us by either commenting below or by sending your snaps to us at @MyBedFrames

8. Bunting

Bunting is a great way of making a bedroom more interesting, without investing much time, effort or money. Bunting is also perfected for renters, as it doesn’t involve any permanent changes (or damage!).

]]>Thu, 26 Mar 2015 13:32:25 GMTSo you’re buying a new bed or mattress, but you’re not sure about what the different bed sizes are. "Is there a standard size?" "Do I have to buy my bed frame and mattress at the same time?" "How big are king size bed dimensions compared to a standard double?"

It’s enough to stress anyone out, which is why we thought we’d put together this quick-reference guide to help you out. If we’ve missed anything out or you’d like to know more please do comment below or tweet us at @FullRangeFurni and we’ll do our best to answer your questions.

In the UK, bed sizes are measured according to the size of the mattress they hold, which is a standard measurement. However, the actual dimensions of the bed frames can vary according to their shape and style, which is what can often cause confusion. A common mistake is to use the mattress size measurements for the required space, but you should always look at individual bed frame dimensions for exact measurements, as they will vary from frame to frame, and almost always be slightly larger than the mattress dimensions.

Most modern beds/mattresses sold in the UK (and Ireland) are constructed using imperial dimensions but are generally sold in their approximate metric equivalents:

Bed/Mattress Size

Dimensions (Imperial)

Dimensions (Metric)

Small Single

2’6” x 6’3”

75 x 190 cm

Single

3’0” x 6’3”

90 x 190 cm

Small Double (Queen)

4’0” x 6’3”

120 x 190 cm

Double

4’6” x 6’3”

135 x 190 cm

King Size

5’0” x 6’6”

150 x 200 cm

Super King Size

6’0” x 6’6”

180 x 200 cm

Standard Bed & Mattress Sizes (UK)

Ideal for younger children or the petite, ‘small single’ (2’6”) bed frames and mattresses work well in smaller bedrooms where space is tight. They are also a good ‘transition’ bed for young children moving from a cot into their first ‘grown-up’ bed.

Suitable for both children and adults, ‘single’ (3’0”) beds are wider than ‘small singles’ and provide a good amount of room for a single sleeper. This is the most common size for children’s beds, including bunk beds.

A ‘small double’ (4’0”) bed (also known as a ‘Queen’ or a ‘Three Quarter’) is wider than a single bed but smaller in width than a double. It provides plenty of space for one or enough room for two (although two adults may find it a little ‘cosy’). Great for smaller bedrooms and guestrooms where a standard double won’t quite fit.

A standard ‘King Size’ (5’0”) bed includes a longer length than the standard ‘double’ (6’6” instead of 6’3”). A king size bed will provide plenty of room for two adult sleepers, but should only be used in larger bedrooms with more space.

The largest of all, the ‘super king’ (6’0”) sized bed provides an abundance of space for two sleeping adults; perfect for couples who prefer their own space!

These are the standard sizes of beds and mattresses in the UK, but be sure to always double check – just in case. Some retailers have their own bed and mattresses, which is REALLY annoying because it means you have to buy both the bed frame and the mattress from the same store, instead of being able to mix and match.

IKEA Bed Sizes

One example of such a store is IKEA who have their own standard of beds and mattress sizes.

]]>Mon, 23 Feb 2015 13:20:11 GMTDefeating the morning grogginess or pushing past that mid-afternoon slump can be challenging some days leading to our productivity to drop drastically. But fear not, here are 15 reinvigorating ways to feel more awake during the day.

Workout

There is often a misconception between the relationship of exercising and tiredness. Many people believe that working out will make us more tired and less able to function during the day. While this does sound like a fair assumption, there are studies which indicate otherwise.

"Too often we believe that a quick workout will leave us worn out - especially when we are already feeling fatigued. However, we have shown that regular exercise can actually go a long way in increasing feelings of energy - particularly in sedentary individuals.” said researcher Tim Puetz.

With this in mind, it’s time to start scheduling in 30 minutes to exercise each day. Whether you have time in the morning, or would feel better to do it after work, just make sure you do.

Power nap

Having a nap (if done correctly) can work wonders for you in terms of feeling more awake and alert. For some people, napping is an essential part of their day while others feel it just makes them more tired.

But science has come to the rescue again to help alleviate any worries you may have regarding to napping.

Ideally, naps should last anywhere between 10 and 30 minutes and between 1:00 and 4:00 PM. Any time after 4:00 PM can significantly disrupt your night time sleep which nobody wants.

The reason behind not having a nap longer than 30 minutes is that you will run the risk of developing “sleep inertia”. This may sound extremely unpleasant, but it’s just a posh word for feeling ‘groggy’.

‘Napping on the job’ is a great and quick way to improve your performance and alertness throughout the afternoon and is especially prevalent within the nursing community.

Drink more water

It may seem obvious, but not nearly enough of us are drinking the recommended amount of water each day. The NHS recommend that we drink 1.5 litres of pure water each day which can numerous health benefits.

With it being such common knowledge that water is the best thing we can ever drink, it’s surprising how little of us actually drink enough. A recent study showed that only one in ten of us drink three glasses of water each day.

While drinking water can help with weight loss, clear our skin, fight infections and stop headaches, it can also dramatically increase our energy levels. Around 60% of our body is made up of water, so when we are dehydrated our body parts lack their intensity, thus making us feel tired or lazy.

Get outside

You’ll be surprised how much good a 20 minute walk outside in the fresh air can do for you.

“Nature is fuel for the soul” says Richard Ryan, a professor of psychology at the University of Rochester. While being cooped up all morning indoors, we can start to feel sluggish and tired which will only transcend into our work performance.

Heading outside for a brisk walk can reinvigorate our thoughts and energy levels, allowing us to fully tackle the afternoon ahead.

Eat Breakfast

Much has been discussed on whether we should eat breakfast and for the majority of conclusions, the answer is yes, yes we should.

Not only can breakfast be important by helping us maintain a healthy body weight, but it can provide us with the nutrition and energy to support for the day’s activities.

This doesn’t give you an excuse to wolf down a donut or chocolate bar. You will only benefit from eating breakfast by choosing your food wisely. It is said that you should pick 2-3 foods from bread and grain, dairy and fruit or vegetables.

Snack wisely

Instead of reaching for those sugar rich snacks and drinks, why not upgrade your snack to something that has more substance to it?

Although eating sugar rich snacks may feel like a great boost of energy, that energy spike will only last so long and you will end up feeling demotivated and lethargic shortly afterwards.

Opt for fruit, whole grains or nuts to give yourself that much needed boost during the afternoon grind.

Take a cold morning shower

While this may not seem such a great idea now, taking a cold shower in the morning can be a great way to start off the day.

The sharp feeling of a cold shower will get your heart pumping faster leading to more blood being pumped around the body. This will leave you feeling invigorated and more energised to help you start the day on a good note.

If you’re having a hard time coming to grips with turning the cold tap on, just do it for 30 seconds towards the end of your shower. You’ll even feel the benefit from this.

Chew gum

It is said that chewing can help improve alertness, have an effect on our motor control and improve our cognitive performances. So if you need a quick pick-me-up, grab a stick of gum.

Avoid the caffeine

No doubt every morning you will find busy people rushing around, coffee in hand, trying to get to their destination. We drink caffeinated drinks under the premise that it will help us feel more awake and get us through the day.

While this is true to some extent, increased alertness and decreased fatigue only last so long. Regular drinkers can build up a tolerance to caffeine and end up feeling sleepier than they would if they hadn’t ever touched a drop of coffee.

Instead of grabbing a quick coffee to go, pick up a bottle of water. Dehydration can make us extremely tired and water is the best thing to counteract this.

Get up regularly

For many of us that work in an office, we tend to stay seated for the majority of the day. We sleep for 8 hours, drive to work, work until 5pm, drive home then park ourselves on the sofa until bedtime.

This routine or something similar can be very detrimental to our health, so it’s best to keep in mind that we should get up regularly and move. Whether you choose to stand up periodically, take the stairs instead of the lift or hold “walking meetings”, trying to incorporate these small changes into your working day can yield significant results.

Sit comfortably

While at work, many of us don’t have the option or freedom to work while standing. Deadlines need to be met and meetings need to be attended. As a result, fatigue sets in and we feel achy and tired during long periods of sitting.

To combat this, actively think how you sit during the day. By sitting up straight, keeping both feet on the floor and having your knees parallel to the floor, you will feel less tired throughout the day and also keep yourself healthy as opposed to someone who slouches all day.

Embrace Mother Nature

Along with bringing a more aesthetically pleasing feel to a room, house plants have a lot more to offer than meets the eye.

From reducing stress, increasing productivity, improving indoor air quality and making us feel less fatigued. House plants actively remove carbon dioxide from the air which has been linked to afternoon fatigue. Simply scatter a few house plants around the office or home and reap the rewards.

Stick to a sleeping routine

By having a sleeping routine, your body will become well-adjusted to it and your health and productivity will reflect this. A slight fluctuation in your sleep schedule can have drastic effects on your performance and tiredness levels.

The aim here is to go to bed and wake up around the same time each day (even weekends). Getting just one less hour of sleep from your normal routine can throw your ability to think properly and respond quickly.

It is said that the average adult needs between 7.5 and 9 hours of sleep each night. Many believe that 6 hours is enough, but researchers from the University of California discovered that people must have a particular gene to work well on six hours of sleep – this gene only appears in less than 3% of the population.

Resist the snooze button

A study found that more than half of Americans aged between 25 and 34 press the snooze button daily. It’s such a common occurrence for people yet hitting that snooze button for that extra 5 for 10 minutes in bed is actually detrimental to the way we feel in the morning.

To feel more refreshed and awake in the morning, the best thing to do is to get up straight away when your alarm goes off. Sit on the side of your bed and stretch. Shutting your eyes again during your snooze will make you feel more groggy than normal.

If you do have trouble resisting the urge to hitting the snooze button, try placing your alarm clock on the other side of the room so you have to get up to turn it off. Cruel but effective.

Conclusion

We all have those days where we just want to curl up in bed and shut ourselves away from the world. That groggy feeling we get can last all morning and that afternoon slump can affect our overall performance. Keeping these 15 ideas in mind to help us be more alert and awake can be easy to implement with a little will-power. Just don’t try to implement them all at once.

]]>Thu, 22 Jan 2015 14:03:31 GMTEveryone deserves a bit of luxury, and with the average person spending almost a third of their life asleep, it makes sense to transform your bedroom into the ultimate luxurious retreat.

When we think of luxury, we think of grandeur, splendour and money. Isn’t luxurious interior design expensive? Well, no, it doesn’t have to be. Read on and discover how to transform your bedroom into a luxurious boudoir – you’ll be surprised how easy (and cheap) it can be…

1. Pick a Colour Scheme

There’s two different ways to approach the luxury bedroom trend. Either opt for neutral lux or rich, coloured hues.

The neutral approach works because it looks clean and timeless. Opt for warmer shades like ivory or cream than just bright white – as that can sometimes make a room seem cold.

If you’re going for the neutral look, make sure you incorporate a variety of textures and materials to give a feeling of depth. Layer the bed with throws and pillows, with a mix of different materials.

Deeper jewel tones such as navy, jade, amber and ruby can add luxury as they are richer hues.

A patterned or textured wallpaper on the headboard wall in your bedroom can be an effective way of creating a focal point and enhancing the warmth of the room without changing too much or spending too much money.

2. Transform Your Lighting

One of the easiest ways to add some richness to your bedroom is by altering your existing lighting. The best way to do this is by changing the light switches to a dimmable version, giving you the power to control the theme and mood of the room.

Being able to create different atmospheres not only gives you more control and creates new dimensions in your bedroom.

A cheaper alternative for creating the same effect is to place a variety of lamps and candles around the room. Aim to have different levels of light (use both a desk lamp and a standing lamp) which illuminate different features of the room. Then experiment with having different lamps on/candles lit to create an ambience you’re happy with.

3. Invest in Crown Moulding

A space that lacks crown moulding tends to look average. Crown moulding is used for capping walls, pilasters and cabinets, to disguise and decorate plain and basic edges.

Despite its sophisticated finish, crown moulding is not very expensive and can even be achieved by experienced and savvy DIY-ers. You can transform a room with moulding in a weekend or less.

4. Upgrade Your Bed

No luxury bedroom would be complete without an extravagant bed, but it doesn’t have to cost you the earth.

The main concern should be comfort; everyone wants to sink in a ridiculously comfortable mattresses and wrap deliciously luxurious sheets around them. The first thing to do is decide which mattress type you prefer (firm or soft?) and then decide what your price range is. There are affordable options for all types of mattresses, including spring and foam – just make sure that you wise yourself up and know what you are looking for.

If you’re not looking to replace your mattress but feel like it’s a bit worn, mattress toppers provide an additional layer of comfort and can make a mattress feel new again.

Sheets can make all the difference in to your sleeping experience. Ultimately, the material you choose is based on your own personal preference. A good indicator of quality is the thread count, but it can be misleading. You might think 1000 thread counts are better, but it actually makes for a stiffer sheet. Always look for sheets that are a least 200 thread counts, but anytime you get over 800, it really doesn’t matter anymore.

To make your bed look more luxurious, add a multitude of pillows and throws. Opt for fur (faux), velvet or silk textures, which are known for being lavish.

Another cheap way to transform your bed into something a bit grander, is to upgrade the headboard. It’s a quick and easy way to refresh a boring bed frame, without having to replace the whole thing – and you’d be amazed at what a difference it can make.

5. Get Rid of Clutter

Think about what you use your bedroom for, and what items you really need. A lot of homes today are filled with unused ‘stuff’, which can take up space and make a room look crowded.

Simply de-cluttering your bedroom and making use of the space will have an immediate transformation. Luxury bedrooms don’t necessarily have to be big – they just feel spacious. If your bedroom is smaller, consider a Small Double (Queen) sized bed frame instead of a Standard Double or King Size. You may think a bigger bed is more luxurious – but if it looks cramped then it will ruin the overall effect.

Keep surfaces clutter free by making use of storage. Opt for a night stand with a drawer to keep your books and accessories hidden from sight.

6. Finishing Touches

Finish the room with a few decorative touches – and I mean a few. Don’t go crowding your newly de-cluttered bedroom!

An ornate lighting feature is a must-have for a luxury-feel bedroom. If you can’t afford or don’t want to install a chandelier, opt for glamourous glass lampshades instead. These reflect the light and metallic sheens enhance feelings of grandeur.

Fresh flowers are always a lovely touch, choose ones that fragrant the area for that burst of freshness every time you re-enter the room.

Hang a large mirror on one wall, and a few other framed pictures/paintings if you like that sort of thing. Again, the idea is not to overcrowd; stick to a couple of wall decorations and keep the rest of the walls clutter-free. I would advise against hanging anything but a mirror on to wallpapered walls, as this forces your eyes to compete with the wallpaper and the art.

Find your new bed at MyBedFrames - Great designs at affordable prices!

]]>Fri, 24 Oct 2014 13:43:53 GMTI’m sure we’ve all been there, asking ourselves that age old question, should I take a nap? With so many factors which can easily sway us between yes and no, we’ve decided to create a decision tree to help you in your time of need.

Taking a quick nap with a sense of guilt lingering around you is never good, so take the weight off your mind and use our decision tree to put your mind at ease. You may be surprised by the outcome!

]]>Wed, 01 Oct 2014 13:34:38 GMTThe average mattress can last between 5 – 10 years, depending on the type and quality of that mattress. As such, its important to keep your mattress as clean as possible.

What’s Inside the Ultimate Mattress Cleaning Guide:

About every 3 months you should undertake a deep clean of your mattress, to keep it in a good condition. A lot of medical conditions can be caused by an unclean mattress, so it’s important to make it a regular part of your cleaning routine:

1. Vacuum

Vacuum your mattress on both sides to remove the build up of dust and dead skin cells that have inevitably built up over the course of the month. This is particularly important if you suffer from allergies or skin conditions.

TOP TIP: If you have a steamer, use it to go over the mattress before you vacuum, to help kill and remove dust mites that might be lurking near the surface.

2. Air

Before putting clean sheets back onto your mattress, allow it to ‘air’ – ideally outside in the sun, but if that’s not possible a well-ventilated sunlit room will work as well. The sun helps to kill bacteria and dry-out moisture build-up in the mattress. Try leaving the mattress for at least two hours, flipping the mattress so that both sides receive the benefit.

3. Deodorise

It’s important to deodorise your mattress as smells can build up over time (due to sweat, moisture etc.).

Be careful of using shop-bought products that claim to deodorise, as many of these do not actually remove the odour and just cover it up with stronger chemical smells.

Dust a light sprinkling of baking soda over the surface of the mattress (if you want, you can also add a few drops of essential oil). Leave for at least an hour, and then vacuum again thoroughly. The baking soda lifts any remaining dirt, and is a great natural deodoriser.

TOP TIP: You should also turn your mattress every 1-3 months, to keep it from ‘warping’ and increase the longevity of your mattress (unless you have a no-turn mattress, such as a foam mattress).

One of the most important things to remember when cleaning a mattress is to avoid over-saturating the mattress with your cleaning solution. A damp mattress takes a long time to dry, and if not dried properly can develop foul odours and mould and mildew (see section below). Bear that in mind if a large amount of liquid has been spilled onto your mattress, because if it has penetrated and stained the deeper inside layers it will be harder to clean completely - and you may have to invest in a new mattress.

TOP TIP: To help prevent mattress stains use a mattress topper, which can be machine-washed and easily replaced in the event of a stain. You could also consider a waterproof mattress.

Sweat

Did you know the average person sweats out around 1/2 pint of perspiration every single night? It seems pretty disgusting when you say it like that, but it’s a natural bodily function that happens to us all. However, over time this can leave your mattress feeling un-fresh, and may even leave some unsightly stains.

TOP TIP: Do NOT use a bleach solution in an attempt to remove the stain. Bleach will make the stain worse by spreading it, and is too harsh to use on common mattress materials.

Top Rated Home Remedies

Method #1: Detergent & Water

Mix 2oz of powdered detergent with 300ml of warm water (mix well until soap suds form)

Apply a thin layer onto the mattress stain and rub in with a sponge

Keep working the mixture until you see the stain start to fade

Once the stain has faded/disappeared, switch to a clean sponge and wipe until no more detergent remains

Leave to dry completely (you can use a hair-dryer to help speed up this process)

Method #2: Borax

Dampen the stain with water

Pour a small amount of Borax onto the stain and rub gently in a circular motion (you should notice the stain fading)

Once the stain is covered and faded/removed, leave the Borax to dry on the stain

Vacuum the Borax once dried

Repeat if necessary

Urine

This stain is tough because the odour must be removed as well. Preventing the urine from soaking into the mattress is crucial. Use paper towels to blot up as much of the excess liquid as possible.

TOP TIP: Prevention is easier than a cure. Use a mattress protector or a waterproof mattress if you have young children.

For fresh urine deposits:

Method #1: Spraying White Vinegar

Soak up as much urine as possible by blotting with paper towels. Apply plenty of pressure to reach the deeper layers of the mattress

Repeat steps 2 and 3 multiple times to remove the stain and smell from the mattress

Allow to air dry

Remove any leftover residue from the solution by applying a small amount of water to the area and blotting dry

Method #2: Using a Carpet Cleaner

Soak up as much urine as possible by blotting with paper towels

Follow the instructions of your chosen carpet cleaner as normal (but on the mattress, not the carpet – obviously)

For old, dried urine stains:

Be aware, that long-term urine exposure can actually ‘burn’ the dyes in the fabric of the mattress, causing irreversible damage. If the urine has been left to sit, it can be impossible to remove the odour completely.

Blood

Blood stains can be one of the most challenging stains to get out of your mattress, particularly if they are old and dried. Old blood stains may require several applications before the stain is gone or at least less noticeable.

NOTE: If you find small dots of blood on your sheets and mattress and cannot determine the source, you may have bed bugs.

For Fresh Stains:

Method #1: Water & Salt

Mix 2 teaspoons of salt with 300ml of cold water and pour the solution into a spray bottle (Do NOT use warm water, as this can set the stain even more)

Spray the affected area

Blot the area with a dry cloth to absorb excess

Repeat steps 2 & 3 until the stain is gone or the cloth is not absorbing any more blood

Top 3 Stain-Removal Products (You Can Buy):

If you are still having trouble with particularly stubborn stains, then it may be time to seek professional help. A quick search online or through the yellow-pages should give you a list of local companies to contact.

Once odours are absorbed into your mattress they can be difficult to remove, but not impossible.

Be careful of using shop-bought products that claim to deodorise, as many of these do not actually remove the odour and just cover it up with stronger chemical smells.

TOP TIP: Keep your mattress smelling fresh by placing a scented dryer sheet between the mattress and the fitted bed sheet

Home Deodorising Remedies:

Method #1: Baking Soda

Baking soda removes odours by balancing pH levels. Sprinkle baking soda on top of the mattress and allow to sit for several hours. Brush and vacuum off.

Method #2: Plain White Vinegar

Vinegar is a great natural deodoriser – yes, your bedroom may smell like a Fish & Chip Shop for the first hour, but it will go away!

Vacuum the mattress to remove all dust and dirt

Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar

Spray vinegar over the entire mattress

Let the mattress air dry completely

TOP TIP: If you can, let the mattress dry in the sun, as this will completely dry out the mattress and is effective at helping to remove lingering odours

Top Rated Deodorising Products (You Can Buy):

You may think that your memory foam mattress will be a nightmare to clean, but it’s actually fairly easy. Most memory foam mattresses are fitted with a removable cover which is machine washable.

NOTE: Steam cleaning memory foam mattresses and toppers may ruin them and is not recommended.

TOP TIP: Before you attempt to tackle your memory foam stain, it may be a good idea to check the mattress manufacturer’s warranty, as it may cover stain removal.

Deep Clean & Stain Removal for Your Foam Mattress

Most memory foam mattress come with a zipped fabric cover. Remove this and wash in the washing machine as directed

Vacuum the mattress. This will remove surface dirt and dust that has built up

Mix 4oz fabric softener with 300ml water and put in a spray bottle.

Stand the memory foam mattress on one end and spray the mixed solution on both sides of the mattress and leave for 30 minutes.

Rinse with clean water, using a detachable shower head/hose

Gently squeeze out excess water by pushing – DO NOT twist or wring the foam

Mix 60ml distilled white vinegar with 300ml water and spray both sides of the mattress (like you did in step 4)

Rinse again and press out excess (steps 5 and 6)

Leave the mattress to dry completely. This can take a couple of days. If you wish, you can aid the drying process by using a hair dryer (on its lowest heat setting) or an electric fan

Mould is a fungus that grows in warm and moist environments. If your mattress gets wet and isn’t dried out properly it can become a breeding ground for mould and mildew. Mould and mildew can be hazardous to your health, causing allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

Saving Your Mattress from Mildew

If you notice mildew growing on your mattress, cleaning the mattress with a solution of disinfectant as soon as possible could save your bed, especially if the mildew appears to be only on the surface.

Use a cloth to scrub the mildew stain – try to be as gentle as possible to avoid damaging the fabric

Allow the mattress to dry (outside in direct sunlight if possible) for at least several hours, until completely dry

Spray a disinfectant evenly over the entire mattress to kill any remaining spores (do not saturate the mattress)

Allow the mattress to dry completely

NOTE: If your mattress still smells mouldy or the stains continue to grow after repeating this process a few times, throw it out.

If You Find Black Mould on Your Mattress

Chuck it. The mould will have penetrated the inside of the mattress and that is impossible to clean. Try purchasing a latex mattress (latex is naturally mould resistant) or looking at the airflow and air quality in your bedroom and seeing if you can make some improvements.

Bed bugs may not be considered dangerous, but they’re certainly not a welcome guest in any home. Feeding on blood, bed bugs are attracted by your body heat and the carbon dioxide you expel, crawling out at night from the cracks and crevices they live in.

Signs of Infestation

Unexplained blood stains on your sheets/mattress

Unexplained skin rashes or itchy bumps

Black spots on your sheets/mattress (either mottled shells the bed bugs have shed or their faeces)

Live bed bugs

If you think you have bed bugs, you should immediately remove any clothes/soft furnishings that may be near to the bed to prevent the infestation from spreading further. Remove your bedding and wash in hot water for at least 30 minutes (to kill any live bugs/eggs that may be on your sheets).

You are advised to seek professional assistance from a reputable pest control company if you think you have bed bugs. This is by far the most effective way of ensuring that the infestation is properly irradiated. However, there are some home remedies you can try if you feel that the infestation isn’t too bad or if you cannot afford professional assistance right away:

Getting Rid of Bed Bugs: Home Remedies

1. Vacuum Thoroughly

Approximately 70% of all bed bugs in a typical infestation are located in the mattress. Thoroughly vacuum the entire mattress, bed frame and surrounding area. Make sure you get in all those little crevices, creases and folds in the mattress.

But don’t stop there, be sure to vacuum the entire affected room, including the floor, curtains etc. Once finished, remove and discard the vacuum bag straight away.

You are going to need to vacuum the mattress and the carpet regularly until the bed bugs are completely gone.

2. Insecticide

There are plenty of insecticides specifically designed for bed bugs. Always read and follow the instructions that come with your chosen insecticide.

Repeat this step after several days, and again monthly to prevent re-infestation.

3. Steam fabric and furniture

Bed bugs are extremely sensitive to heat, which is why steaming fabric and furniture is an effective treatment method (which also kills the eggs). If possible, opt for a dry steam which will allow for faster drying time and will reduce the possibility of fabric damage.

Steam each and every crevice in your bedroom floor and walls too, as the steam is able to penetrate those hard-to-reach areas much better than any other alternative.

For more in-depth guides on how to remove a bed bug infestation from your home, please see the following:

Preventing Bed Bugs

There are a number of things you can do to prevent bed bugs from invading your home:

Don’t Bring Bed Bugs Home with You - If you experience bed bugs at a hotel or similar place, make sure you don’t bring them home with you! Wash clothes on a hot cycle and disinfect your luggage bags with a form of insecticide.

Use Bed Bug Resistant Mattress/Sheets - Manufacturers are now able to produce bed-bug resistant mattresses and bedding. Waterproof mattresses are also effective at keeping bed bugs at bay.

Be Weary of Second-hand Furniture - Never bring second-hand furniture into your home without first inspecting for signs of bed bugs. mites, tics etc.

We’re keen to keep updating this guide with new techniques and product reviews. If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, or have something you’d like to add to this guide, please do comment below or send us an email at marketing@mybedframes.co.uk.

]]>Mon, 29 Sep 2014 11:28:32 GMTInterior design doesn’t always come naturally, and with all the different elements like colours, space, lighting etc. that make up a room – it can be difficult to know where to start.

For me, it is essential to keep personality in the bedroom – but, as a bachelor, you want to keep an element of style, sophistication and sexiness; a ‘grown up’ look that will impress any female friends you may decide to invite over.

1. The Sports Fanatic

Keep the sports memorabilia to a minimum. Frame only the really important stuff and showcase them with pride, but ditch all the scarves, ticket stubs and club-stamped bottle openers. You don’t want to look obsessive – it sends warning signals that you could be obsessive about other things in your life.

And please, by all costs, avoid painting your bedroom in your teams’ colours – what are you, seven?

2. The Business Executive

Working in business, your forced to dress in the same suit/tie every day, so you’ll want your bedroom to express a bit more of your personality that doesn’t get to shine much during the week.

Use darker (sexier) shades of your favourite colour, and hang an oversized, statement piece of artwork over your bed that expresses who you really are.

Keep lines crisp and simple – avoid gaudy and complicated designs in furniture and textiles (which are becoming more and more outdated).

If you’re looking to add a bit of luxury, opt for a masculine leather bed frame to finish the look.

3. The Modern Male

Modern interior design trends are minimal, striking, cool and sexy. But, you’ve got to get it just right to pull it off.

If you live in a city apartment with a great view – you’re in the perfect position to pull off this look. Stick with light, neutral shades on the walls and floors, and pick dark, contrasting furniture in leathers and metals.

Keep clutter to a minimum and experiment with striking pieces that are unique and ‘bespoke’ (fake it if you can’t afford the real thing) in style. Don’t be scared of experiment with different textures and colours. The bedroom above breaks all the ‘rules’ (brown AND black leather?!) yet totally works.

4. The Uni Lad

You’re young, energetic and living life to the fullest. Express this with a quirky, bold bedroom design.

Keep walls a light, airy colour (light works best because it opens the room and makes it look bigger) – and make sure all the walls are the same.

If you don’t want to hang art, photos or furniture on the walls, opt for ‘open’ furniture which brings some interest back into the room. For example, use a clothes rail instead of a wardrobe – your clothes naturally bring colour into the room, without you having to do anything (except hang them up, of course).

6. The Ladies Man

Interior design boils down to personal preference, and there isn’t an “all the woman are going to love this” model.

All most woman care about, generally speaking, is that a room is tidy and clean. They want fresh sheets, no clutter, and certainly no smells!

Make yourself appear ‘interesting’ by displaying an unusual piece of art, or a personal collection. Go travelling a lot? Hang a world map which highlights all the places you’ve visited. Graphic designer by trade? Perhaps showcase some of your more creative designs.

It’s okay, I’m giving you permission – on two conditions. First, opt for super stylish designs. Something that screams ‘cool’ and ‘sexy’ as well as making the walls vibrate when turned up all the way. Secondly, keep a variety of music to hand. Music has the power to set moods and emotions, and you never know when a bit of Michael Buble might come in handy…

8. The Caveman

There’s nothing wrong with being a bit of a caveman. But you still want to have a decent-looking bedroom – right?

Opt for ‘classic’ manly colours and textures – leather, mahogany etc. You don’t need to know or care about interior design, just stick to these 3 rules and you’ll be fine:

1) Matching furniture – Buy a furniture set, or make sure all furniture is the same texture and colour.

2) No more than 3 different colours – Any more than 3 colours in a room can look a bit of a mess. Opts for neutrals, greys, dark greens or blues.

3) Place bed in centre of the room – Even if your bedroom is match-box small, place your bed in the centre and not shoved in the corner. This creates balance, and opens the room making it appear bigger.

9. The "More Money Then Sense"

Got more money then sense? Forget being sensible – we wouldn’t be in your position. Go for something totally crazy and different. I mean, why not? Yes – if you’re not careful you might run the risk of coming off as a ‘show off’, but if you can laugh at yourself then I reckon you can pull something like this off:

]]>Wed, 10 Sep 2014 10:08:57 GMTWhen stuck in a lull of un-inspirational thoughts, finding that something to pick you back up can be hard. Instagram however is a banquet full of inspiration and creativeness that would get anyone interested in interior design fired up.

Only problem is finding and following those accounts that do just that. Today, I have scoured Instagram and collected the best interior design Instagram accounts that will get your creative juices following.

Jonathan Adler

Alessandra Branca

Whether picturesque exteriors or beautiful interiors is what you’re after, Alessandra’s Instagram is sure to suit your needs, with all pictures photographed by her (unless said otherwise).

Kelly Wearstler

Kelly boasts a huge amount of following on Instagram, and it’s not hard to see why. Vibrant colours and interesting patterns is what you should come to expect from Kelly.

Sibella Court

Instagramming from the land down under, Sibella is known for her great collection of oddities and curiosities collected whilst globetrotting.

Michael S Smith

Michael Smith epitomises a seamless blend of European classicism and American modernism that is always fresh and evolving.

Abbe Fenimore

Abbe’s Instagram offers great transparency into her life as an interior designer. Sift through a vast collection of personal and professional pictures to get your design juices flowing.

Kirsten Grove

Are you a fan of minimalist designs and contemporary styles? If so then Kirsten’s feed is for you.

Abigail Ahern

Want something different from the typical interior designs you normally see? Abigail’s sense of style is unlike any other and one to be admired.

Domaine

Domaine’s main aim is to share evergreen expert advice, image galleries and highly curated products for the home and beyond.

Emily Katz

Ever wondered what the life of an interior designer entails? By following Emily, wonder no more as she likes to post all things food, family, friends and of course, interiors.

Todd Nickey and Amy Kehoe

Nickey and Kehoe offer our first and only joint Instagram account featured on this list. Merged in 2004, Todd and Amy use Instagram to show off the unique and wondrous designs they have found.

Who are your favourite interior designers to follow on Instagram? What makes them so great? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

]]>Mon, 11 Aug 2014 15:38:04 GMT

So far, the British summer has actually been good to us. There has been a few hiccups where we have had a few downpours. But for the most part, the sun has been shining with no sign of leaving anytime soon.

Unfortunately with any good British summer comes the humidity that will hover around 60-80%, leaving you sweaty and uncomfortable during the night. In places like the US, houses are more equipped and ready for unbearably hot nights with the aid of air conditioners.

Here in the United Kingdom however, where hot and humid nights are less frequent, we have to be a little more creative when it comes to trying to keep cool at night.

Not all methods work for people, so there will be a little trial and error with these suggestions, but I’m sure you will be able to find a few that will work perfectly for you.

1. Increase air circulation

By leaving your doors and windows open (if it is safe to do so), you’ll increase the air circulation in your bedroom. Air will be able to pass through freely, giving you fresher air that will ultimately be cooler than your body temperature.

2. Use a bowl of ice or an ‘ice towel’

Pick up a bag of ice from your local supermarket and place it in a bowl which will sit in front of your fan. The ice-cooled air won’t keep you cool during the whole night since the ice will melt, however it should help you fall asleep initially (which is normally the hardest part of sleeping during a hot summer night).

Alternatively you could hang a towelled filled with ice between two chairs. The ice will slowly melt and chill the towel. Then place a fan blowing directly at you through the towel which will have the same effect as the bowl method. The choice is yours.

3. Wear damp socks or a damp t-shirt

There is an old wives tale that if you wear damp clothes, you could catch a cold. This is not true, so don’t be worried about this method. Cooling your feet with damp socks will lower your overall body temperature and help you sleep.

With extreme heat, try soaking a t-shirt, wringing it out and wearing that too bed. Some may find it hard to sleep with a damp t-shirt, but it’s worth a try.

4. Cotton is a winner

All of your bed linen should be made from 100% cotton. Lightweight cotton is breathable which will help with airflow that will help cool you.

The same goes for your pyjamas. Check the label and make sure it’s cotton. You’ll be happy you did.

5. Use your freezer

A great way to help you get to sleep quicker during a humid evening is to put your sheets in your freezer for a few minutes. Fold them up, place them in a plastic bag and wait a while. Before you go to bed, pop them back on your bed and enjoy. Granted, this will not keep you cool all night, but it should let you drift off to sleep faster.

6. Frozen Hot Water Bottle

I suppose digging out your hot water bottle was probably the last idea on your list, but hear me out. Freezing your hot water bottle is a great way to keep you and your bed cool during the night. Just pop it in the freezer hours before bedtime and you’ll be ready.

7. Loosey goosey

No one wants clothes clinging to them during a hot night’s sleep. Choose loose clothing that will let your skin breath.

8. Go nude

I boil this one down to personal preference. Some people claim they can feel hotter while sleeping nude whereas others believe it keeps them cooler. Not sure how it will make you feel? Give both methods a try, and see which works best for you.

9. Go it alone

You’ll have to apologise to your partner before you try this one. The more bodies you have in your bed, the hotter it will be. For really hot nights, set up an extra bed on the sofa and you’ll probably enjoy a more restful sleep. The only problem will be choosing which one of you sleeps there.

10. Stay away from the fridge

Stuffing yourself silly will make it harder for your body to digest all that food, thus increasing your body temperature. Chow down on smaller portions for dinner instead. Not only will you be happier due to a more peaceful sleep, but your waistline will appreciate it too.

11. Choose cold dinners

The summer is not the time for a full blown roast chicken with all the trimmings. Having your oven on for hours at a time will of course increase the room temperature and this can be quite problematic in smaller houses/flats. As an alternative, choose a salad accompanied by cold meat.

12. Hydrate-up

Sweating is inevitable during a night of tossing and turning which can result in dehydration. By drinking just one glass of water before you hit the sack, you’ll avoid being woken by dehydration.

13. Shower me cool

Having a cool shower before bed will help lower your overall body temperature, ready for you to go to sleep.

14. Hang a wet sheet in front of an open window

Similar to the ‘ice towel’ idea, hang a wet sheet over your bedroom curtain rail and let the breeze cool down your bedroom.

15. Pitch a tent

If you have the space, why not pitch a tent in your back garden? Sleeping outside is sure to be a lot cooler than inside, plus it can be a lot of fun!

16. Straw or bamboo mat

Puffy duvets and soft mattresses can retain so much of your body heat which will make it hard for us to fall asleep. Replace them with a straw or bamboo mat. Although they will be less comfortable to lie on, overall you may have a more comfortable sleep.

]]>Wed, 30 Jul 2014 14:00:07 GMTDescribed as a ‘nightlight/night speaker hybrid’, the ‘Cloud’ offers a soothing experience whether just using it as a lamp or as a musically activated speaker.

“Advances in physical computing and interaction design hardware over recent years have created a new breed of smartobjects, which are gaining more and more traction in the design world” say’s its creator, Richard Clarkson.

Wow your friends and family with this truly unique lamp. Equipped with lights, motion sensors, a speaker system and microphones, this lamp packs quite a surprise.

Add a new dimension to your living room experience with the Cloud lamp. It comes with a hefty price tag, but customers may choose a cheaper option by opting just for the lamp itself and not with the speakers.

What do you think of the Cloud lamp? How would you best utilise this innovative lamp?

]]>Wed, 09 Jul 2014 11:07:05 GMT

“Sleep is the single most important health behaviour we have”

That’s according to Professor Russell Foster, head of the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute at the University of Oxford, who goes on to say that sleep “affects everything from our day-to-day functioning to our long-term physical and mental health.”

And yet, we appear to be encountering more and more problems with our collective sleeping patterns, and there are now over 80 recognized sleeping disorders – some of which are truly bizarre (and will never make you complain about your partner’s snoring again)!

Discover some of the weirder and scarier sleep disorders troubling today’s generation in our infographic below.

]]>Mon, 23 Jun 2014 10:33:39 GMTMany children are told they should not play on the stairs, but with the SlideRider it is encouraged! Kids and adults alike will be envious of anyone who has the SlideRider installed on their stairs at home. Does this even have the potential to be installed at a business complex too?

The fold up, portable device which was designed by Trisha Cleveland quickly gained traction on Quirky.com which helps everyday people put their designs into action. Quirky allows you to get involved with the design process of an invention from the products colour to the end user price.

The slide features a fold out slide with bumpers on the sides for safety purposes. The slide also has weights at the top so that the slide itself does not move with the child using it.

Not only is the slide easy to fold out, it is easy to store as well. The slide completely retracts into a cube like shape with handles for easy manoeuvrability.

We all enjoy sleep, some more than others. And we all know that sleep is an important part of staying healthy. There are numerous studies depicting how much sleep we should get, and many of the studies claiming that we as a nation don’t get enough.

Scientists from leading universities have told the BBC that reducing the amount you sleep can lead to “serious health problems”. One of the major culprits for not sleeping as much is the technology heavy world we live in. Exposure to the blue light that emits itself from our devices has a negative effect on our ability to fall asleep.

Understanding more about sleep can help us manage our sleep patterns better, which will ultimately create a healthier nation.

So test yourself with our ‘Know Your Zzz’s’ quiz to determine just how much you know about sleep.

]]>Thu, 22 May 2014 09:37:23 GMTIt’s very easy to go down the route of decorating a bedroom in the more traditional manner. Heck, a style becomes traditional for a reason; it works. But why not take some inspiration from these 12 bedrooms that just break the mould of decorating as we know it, and dive head first out of our comfort zone. You may surprise yourself!

If you still find yourself craving some more inspirational designs, check out our 17 boho bed ideas article.

]]>Thu, 08 May 2014 10:45:37 GMTSpending the majority of your professional career in the skies can have a significant effect on you. An effect that sees you attracted to the idea of living ‘in the skies’. It’s no surprised that this retired air pilot craved more than just a home planted firmly into the ground. This “Villa for an Aviator” was built from salvaged aeroplane parts in the state of New York with the intension of giving its occupant the feeling of living in space surrounded by open sky.

In an effort to simulate the way a plane steers through air currents and clouds, the home was designed in a deliberate ‘twisted’ geometry. The shame of the building also bends the window apertures to accommodate the best views to make the most of its location.

The house is designed as a sequence of three primary spaces; the comforting living room, an elegant master bedroom and a surprisingly expansive library.

]]>Tue, 29 Apr 2014 09:52:55 GMTBaking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate is useful for so many more things than just making your cakes taste better. Baking soda should win an award for the more useful product ever. As a general rule, anything that smells can be deodorized with the right application of baking soda.

Below are 37 baking soda hacks, split into four categories that will help you will all sorts around the house.

Personal care:

1. Make toothpaste - Find yourself without toothpaste? No problem! Mix baking soda and water to create a whitening toothpaste that would rival any brand.

2. Freshen your mouth - Stir in a teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of water, and hey presto, you have a mouthwash that will neutralise any bad mouth odors.

3. Soak oral appliances - Mouthpieces like retainers, dentures, dummies and mouthguards can pick up a bad whiff very quickly. Dissolve two teaspoons of baking soda in warm water and leave to soak.

4. Facial scrub - Not only will you be saving money, but also the environment. Create a baking soda paste and gently apply to your face in a circular motion.

5. Treat insect bites & itchy skin - Insect bites can be a real pain. Reduce the irritation by making a baking soda paste and applying to affected area.

6. Hair degreaser - Ran out of time in the morning? Sprinkle a small amount on your part line to allow the baking soda to soak up the grease from your hair.

7. Clean brushes and combs - Natural oil build up on your combs and brushes is a common problem. Soak them in a basin of warm water and baking soda then rinse and dry.

8. Make a baking soda bath - A day at the spa is always nice. But you can now recreate that feeling by adding baking soda to your evening baths.

9. Foot spa - A long day running around after the kids can take its toll on your feet. Enjoy a foot spa courtesy of three tablespoons of baking soda in warm water.

10. Get rid of heartburn - Heartburn is never fun. Relieve that sensation with half a teaspoon of baking soda with half a glass of water.

11. Apply it to jellyfish sting - Deactivate jellyfish stingers by applying a mix of hot water and baking soda.

Cleaning:

12. General surface scrub - A simple mix of warm water and baking soda can easily lift dirt and grime from surfaces in the house.

13. Fruit washing - A huge amount of our fruit here in the UK travels thousands of miles to get onto our supermarket shelves. Full of dirt, pesticides and residue, cleaning all that off is a doddle with a water and baking soda mix.

14. Microwave cleaning - Add baking soda to a wet sponge and go to town on your microwave. A baking soda mix will help you easily lift dried food spillage and reduce odors.

15. Clean pots,pans and dishes - Removing stubborn stains after a lovely tuna pasta bake from the night before can be troublesome. Soak your pots and pans in warm water for 15 minutes then apply baking soda and scrub.

Don’t see a baking soda tip on the list? Let us know in the comments section below, or on Facebook or Twitter.

]]>Thu, 10 Apr 2014 15:17:17 GMTLucid dreaming is essentially possessing the ability to know you’re dreaming while you’re dreaming and is a very sought after skill that can takes years of practice to master. With this ability, the possibilities within your dreams are endless, and you will be able to control them.

For many of us the desire to lucid dream is a mere fantasy, one that was highlighted by the release of Inception (2010) starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Watching Ellen Page fold a city in on itself was mindboggling to say the least and audiences were instantly captured by the idea of lucid dreaming.

To the untrained eye, this lucid dreaming mask looks like an ordinary sleeping mask. But with closer inspection you’ll notice this sleep mask is slightly more rigid than expected and this is due to the flexible circuit board within. This is Remee’s brain, control centre, hub or whatever you’d like to call it.

Its settings are controlled by six red lights which can be set to suit the individual. Ideally, these lights will need to turn on when you are experiencing REM sleep. Many other lucid dream devices can feel and look bulky, but with Remee you can programme your sleep mask by simply holding it up to your computer while on BitBanger’s website. The website will blink a stream of binary codes into your device and hey presto you’re ready.

Lucid Dreaming

Although you may have the Remee sleep mask, it’s not as simple as just going to sleep and you’ll start to lucid dream. The mask will just encourage lucid dreaming. There are no expensive sensors which detect that you are in REM sleep. Unfortunately there will be a lot of trial and error until you find the right settings. Knowing your sleeping pattern will go a long way to properly tweaking your Remee settings.

To help with understanding your sleeping patterns, you can use an app called Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock. This app monitors your movement during sleep and gathers the data to determine when you are hitting REM sleep.

Remember, Remee is a tool, not a quick fix solution. As with any tool it must be used with the proper techniques to get the best use out of it.

Upon possessing the ability to lucid dream, what would be the first thing you would want to do?

]]>Mon, 24 Mar 2014 13:58:57 GMTEver since I was a young girl, I have enjoyed nothing better than reading a good book before bed. Sometimes, I would stay up until the early hours of the morning without realising how much time had passed; the obvious sign that a book has become an instant favourite.

Even now, while my partner enjoys watching TV or scrolling through YouTube on his phone when in bed, I prefer to settle down with a good read – and there’s nothing better before bed than an atmospheric book to get your heart racing and your mind thinking.

Here’s 8 of my recommendations, if you agree/disagree or would like to add one to the list, please comment below.

A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin

Yes, this is the book series that hit TV show A Game of Thrones is based on.

If you’re looking for a ancient story of knights, castles, battles, gore, sex and dragons - than this is the book series for you.

Set in a mystical world similar to our own, in a medieval period, different houses compete for honour, the throne and the right to live.

I’m not going to lie, if you thought the TV show was confusing, you might struggle a little bit with the books initially (THERE’S SO MANY CHARACTERS!) - but if you love the fantasy genre, and have previously enjoyed Tolkien's The Lord of The Rings, then you’ll love A Song of Ice and Fire.

Also, you probably shouldn’t read this if you get deeply attached to characters – as the author has a slightly annoying tendency to kill off main characters just as they start getting interesting.

Written by George R.R. Martin, the series currently remains unfinished, although Martin has announced that he is coming closer to completion.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

If you love 80s pop culture, then you’ll love this debut book from Ernest Cline.

It’s the year 2044, and the creativity and technological advancement of the games industry has caused the inevitable to happen; escapism into an alternate reality.

The real world has run out of oil and destroyed the climate. Famine, poverty and disease is widespread. But the creation of the virtual utopia OASIS allows humanity to forget about the troubles of Earth and live a totally different ‘life’.

Needless to say, it doesn’t matter how screwed the Earth is, everyone still gets a good internet connection!

Not just a book for avid gamers, Ready Player One is a refreshing and enthralling read for all book lovers – you won’t be able to put it down!

The Horrific Suffering of the Mind-Reading Monster Hercules Barefoot, his Wonderful Love and Terrible Hatred by Carl-Johan Vallgren

Apart from having a ridiculously long title, this book is a one-of-a-kind that you will either love or hate.

Set in a made-up Victorian-inspired era of Europe, our hero Hercules Barefoot is born deaf, dumb and horribly disfigured. However, Hercules Barefoot also has the power to read people’s minds, and it’s this power which is both a gift and a curse in his long and miserable life.

Described as a love story, the majority of the book follows Hercules Barefoot searching for his one true love, Henriette, who he was dramatically parted from when she was ‘sold’ to a man in their youth.

On a personal note, I was a little disappointed with the pace of the story; with twists and turns along the way, you’ll find yourself building up to something intense – only to race through and jump to the next Chapter in Hercules’ life.

One thing I can’t deny however, and the reason it appears in this list, is that this book is charged, atmospheric and thought-provoking – and all other reviewers have praised this read until they are blue in the face.

Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk

Chuck Palahniuk is most famously known for Fight Club, but Invisible Monsters is equally as powerful, thought-provoking and disturbing.

We follow the life of an ex-catwalk model, who after suffering a terrible motor ‘accident’ is left scarred and unable to speak.

This book will make you wake up and think about society today, about the way we perceive and strive for beauty, and about the monsters that it turns us into.

Be warned, as with previous works of Palahniuk’s, Invisible Monsters does contain description so effective that it carves some seriously graphic imagery into your head – but I think that only highlights the skill of the author.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

One of the only books that has ever made me cry, The Book Thief is now a feature-film which was released in 2013.

Set in Nazi-Germany, an ordinary German girl has her world turned upside down when her Father helps to hide a Jewish man in their basement.

I’ve made it sound very “Anne Frank” but I can’t describe it in more detail without giving the plot away – you’ll have to read it to discover one of the most compelling and engrossing stories of modern penmanship.

And no, I haven’t seen the film (I never watch films from books that I love, in case they turn out to be bitterly disappointing), so I’m afraid I can’t make any sort of comparison.

But even if you have seen the film, I would 100% recommend reading the book as well – although good luck trying to put it down!

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Another book that made it to a film very recently, although I don’t think it was quite as popular with the above, is The Host by Stephenie Meyer.

Better known for her teenage vampire series Twilight, Meyer has gone in a completely different direction in terms of genre and style with this, more ‘grown-up’ book.

Basically a story of alien invasion, we follow “Wanderer” – a legend of her species – as she takes over the mind and body of her hunted human host (formally Melanie Stryder).

But Melanie is not willing to give up her mind just like that, and unable to separate herself from her body’s desires, Wanderer finds herself in a internal battle with her human host.

Again, I haven’t seen the film, but I can only imagine the poor job they did as portraying this complex and beautifully unique story. I plead with you to ignore anything you may have already seen or heard, and read for yourself the truly inspiration book that is The Host.

The Long Walk by Richard Bachman (Stephen King)

Probably one of the greatest, under-recognised books written by novelist Stephen King, under the pseudonym Richard Bachman.

Stephen King published some of his earlier stories under the name Richard Bachman, in an attempt to make sense out of his career and try to answer the question of whether his success was due to his talent as an author, or the popularity of his reputation. Apparently, he never got his answer, because he was ‘outed’ fairly quickly.

I really don’t want to give too much away with this one, so I’ll simply give you the book description:

“On the first day of May, one hundred teenage boys meet for an event known throughout the country as ‘The Long Walk’. If you break the rules, you get three warnings. If you exceed your limit, what happens is absolutely terrifying.”

Watership Down by Richard Adams

Most of us are familiar with the tale of Watership Down, as portrayed on the screen. However, for those of us lucky enough to have read the original tale by Richard Adams, we’ve endured deeper heartache for our furry friends.

It all starts with a few greedy humans, who’s ignorance cause the sudden destruction of a innocent rabbit warren. Bewildered and scared, the rabbits go on a journey to find a new home – a journey that will bring danger, death and the need for a strong leader and a quick-thinker.

For those who think stories about animals are for children, you couldn’t be more wrong. This story will clutch at the heartstrings of all ages, and the metaphors and themes of the book will have you questioning the world that we live in.

The great thing about books is that everyone has an opinion, and everyone gets something different from them. Please keep the conversation open by commenting below, I would love to hear your thoughts on some of my favourite reads.

]]>Fri, 21 Mar 2014 10:05:19 GMTSleep is something we can all relate to as we need sleep in order to function properly throughout the day. Many of us have specific habits when preparing for bed, and sometimes these habits can be interrupted by our surroundings which may disrupt our sleeping pattern. This can leave us feeling groggy in the morning.

We surveyed 1000 UK adults and broken down our findings to look specifically at the differences between men and women when it comes to their sleeping habits. How many of you have had arguments with your partner about having the television on in the bedroom?

Men and women’s sleeping habits are fairly different , but one thing they do agree on is the preferred sleeping position.

Although you may feel like your daily routine before bed is helping you sleep, it might actually be hindering your ability to get a proper nights sleep. Studies have shown that watching television, or surfing the web on your laptop/phone can impede your bodies ability to fall asleep. The bright light from these screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, the hormone that forms part of the system that regulates our sleep-wake patterns.

What are your partner’s most annoying sleeping habits? What do you need before you go to sleep? Let us know in the comments below. ​

]]>Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:20:25 GMTIt’s amazing how many people fail to prepare properly when it comes to decorating and painting, but it’s an essential stage to complete if you want to save time and money in the long run.

Choose your colours

This can sometimes be the hardest step in the entire process! Use a colour guide to help you if you’re unsure of what will work together.

Consider the size of the room, including the height of the ceiling and the amount of natural light the rooms receives. All of these features can impact on the overall result of the room. For example, if you have a small, dark room with low ceilings you might consider using lighter pastel shades to make the room seem lighter and larger.

Top Tip: Do use sample paints – the colours will always differ slightly from the picture on the can.

Choose your finish

There are three main types of paint finishes: matt, satin and gloss.

Matt finishes are the standard finish, which has a duller, rougher finish when dried.

A satin or eggshell finish are better suited for children’s rooms, as they are easy to clean with just a damp cloth.

Gloss finishes are typically used for furniture and woodwork. Gloss paint when dried produces a gleaming effect which is slightly ‘shiny’.

Clear the room

It is easier to paint an empty room, but if this isn’t possible then you will definitely want to open the window and cover all the furniture.

Fill in any holes, dents and cracks

Small holes and cracks can easily be filled with a lightweight filler purchased from your local DIY/Home Improvement store. You’ll find that the majority of staff are extremely helpful and can talk you through the process if you’re slightly unsure.

Remember to let the filled hole dry thoroughly before moving on to the next stage of preparation.

Smooth the surface

Scrape off any flaking paint and use sandpaper to smooth out any uneven surfaces, including any holes or cracks you have filled in.

If you are planning on repainting wooden door frames and skirting, and do not want to completely strip the old paint off, use a quick rub of sandpaper to ‘roughen’ the surface (this is especially important if the old paint is a gloss). This will make it easier to apply the new layer of paint.

Clean the walls

You’d be surprised at just how much residue and dust can build up on the surface of your walls. A simple wipe down with a soapy solution will allow you ensure the walls are clear before you start painting.

Tape edges

Use masking tape to protect any edges from paint and/or to produce a nice, clean edge. This includes ceilings, skirting, door frames and plug sockets.

Yes, there’s even a special technique for doing this properly too. Check out this guide if you want professional results.

Prime the walls

This is especially important if you are painting over oil-based or gloss paints.

Primer not only ensures a lasting finish, but it also helps you to save time, as less additional coats of paint will be needed.

Tinted primer will improve the colour of your paint, but I would advise testing beforehand to ensure it doesn’t change the end result too much!

You should always prime any areas that you have filled in to prevent them from showing up ‘shiny’.

Painting Technique

Start in the corners of the wall, near the ceiling. You should pain at at angle to avoid brush marks.

You might need a couple of layers to effectively paint over the old colour and to avoid brush marks.

]]>Fri, 07 Mar 2014 16:21:35 GMTWhen I was a child, I remember hating nap time. Sleeping was boring and all I wanted to do was play, read or generally follow my Mum around and pretend to act ‘grown up’.

Isn’t it funny? That now, as an adult, I secretly yearn for mid-afternoon naps at my work desk? Nothing would delight me more than a 30 minute power-nap to recharge my batteries. My young self was so unappreciative of all those extra hours in bed!

According to the National Sleep Foundation, it still remains unclear what the natural sleeping patterns for Humans’ should be. Some argue that we have evolved to stay awake during the day and to sleep through the night, because our busy working lifestyle prevents any other way.

Different types of naps

Yes, apparently there are different categories of napping. A ‘power nap’ is typically a 10 – 30 minute sleep session that occurs between 1pm and 4pm. Napping for longer than 30 minutes results in that groggy feeling (sleep inertia) which defeats the point of napping at all. Napping later that 4pm can disrupt your normal night-time sleeping cycle.

However, author ofTake a Nap! Change your Life argues that napping for any longer than 20 minutes is a big no no, because it takes too long to recover.

Interestingly, research has shown that “ultra-short” 6 minute naps can improve our ability to recall information and facts. Tell that to your boss the next time he catches you with your eyes closed!

Napping is better for you than you first thought!

There are numerous benefits associated with napping, including improved alertness, learning, memory and performance.

However, more recently we’ve also discovered that napping on the job can restore our attention and the quality of our work, as well as reducing the number of mistakes we make. Planned naps were tested in emergency department physicians and 747 pilots, who each demonstrated noticeably better performances in their roles after a nap, when compared to not napping at all.

Other benefits include relaxation and mood improvements.

Sleeping on the job

Companies are actually starting to catch on the benefits of napping, and some work environments have began creating special sleeping zones for their staff.

Google and The Huffington Post are amongst some of the first firms to install MetroNaps sleeping pods in their offices.

One of the MetroNaps pods which are used by Google and The Huffington Post

One of my favourite products that I’m dying to get my hands on (cough cough, send me one please!) is the Ostrich Pillow. Designed for on-the-go napping for commuters and office workers. Admittedly, it looks slightly ridiculous, and it would utterly ruin my hair for the day, but it really does look like one of the most comfiest and inviting sleeping products I’ve seen.

The Ostrich Pillow

If anyone knows of any other office-napping-tools, I’d love to hear about them. Join in the conversation on Twitter, or comment below.

Employers, I want to know whether providing 20 minutes napping is something you’d consider to help improve the work of your employees. Do you believe in the benefits? Or do you think it’s a waste of time? Let me know!

]]>Fri, 07 Mar 2014 11:30:27 GMTSo does your landlord says you can’t paint the walls? Or is the idea of re-painting just too messy and time-consuming?

Whatever your reason for not wanting to paint, here are 14 alternatives to decorating empty walls.

1. Temporary Wallpaper

Temporary wallpaper is a thing, and is especially becoming a popular design trend in the USA. In the UK however, peelable easy-to-remove wallpaper is a lot harder to find. Although a quick internet search found Wall-A-Tac – who not only provide peelable wallpaper to the UK, but who also allow you to design custom wallpaper, using your own photograph!

The theory behind temporary wallpaper is pretty simple, but does it actually work? Most reviews claim that temporary wallpaper does come off relatively easily, although as mentioned here, some brands can leave behind marks.

I would advise asking for a sample, and testing it out on a small area of wall, if you’re renting and are worried about marks being left.

2. DIY wall design using Masking Tape

A little more difficult, this method requires using coloured and decorative easy-peel tape to create custom designs on your wall. One of my personal favourites, you can create some really cute designs at the price of a few rolls of tape (not very expensive), and the possibilities are endless!

The great thing about this is that the masking tape will come off cleanly and easily, so you won’t have to worry about leaving behind any marks!

3. Hanging Art/Photos

The trick with using hanging wall art is to use removable wall hooks. These require no nails or glue and can be easily removed leaving no trace behind them. One drawback however is strength; they won’t be able to stand really heavy frames, so keep that in mind to avoid waking up in the middle of the night to a huge SMASHing noise!

With large, bare walls, you’ll want to hang your art/photos in an way that makes the empty space look a lot more interesting.

4. Wall Decals

Wall decals have become increasingly popular, and it’s not hard to see why. Not only are they relatively inexpensive, they are dead easy to put up and can completely transform a boring wall.

Wall decals are essentially giant stickers, but instead of traditional stickers, they are super-easy to remove from walls, so again, they are a good option for renters.

5. Tile Transfers

Have a boring tiled kitchen or bathroom? Don’t worry, you can decorate them too! Tile transfers (or tile stickers) are an easy way to add character to a tiled room without the major hassle (and cost!) of having to re-tile the whole room.

Available from most home stores in the UK, tile transfers are similar to wall decals, although not always as easy to remove. The longer you leave them, the harder it is to remove them easily, although with elbow grease and water not impossible. Although it is something to bear in mind.

6. Stretched Fabric & Tapestries

Now I LOVE the idea of using fabric to decorate walls. But is it really feasible? There are a range of different methods, this one points out that although attaching fabric is easier than painting, it is also more expensive. This method also uses screws, which is often a no-no when it comes to renting.

But you don’t have to go for a full-on fabric wall. Opt for a tapestry, like this world map from Urban Outfitters. You can use a variety of different methods to attach it, including drapery rods, Velcro strips, coat hangers and curtain poles.

7. Shelves

Shelving is great because in this example because it has a dual-purpose; as storage and decoration. A more permanent feature, wall shelves will be difficult to remove without having to refill/repaint the wall.

But large shelving units can also be used to break up a boring wall, if you have the space. Another reason why shelves are a good option is because you can change what they display, meaning you can quickly transform the room again if you get bored or want to create a new theme.

8. Bamboo blinds

Yes, I know that blinds are for windows, but bamboo roller blinds in particular looks fabulous as wall panels as well. This technique also works with straw beach mats – believe me! Look how these bamboo blinds have been used to create a subtle oriental feel in this dining room:

In this tutorial, see how you can whitewash your bamboo blinds to create a even more subtle feel, adding texture and depth their minimalist bedroom.

9. Wall-Length Curtains

Curtains do not have to be limited to just covering windows. They can be used in many rooms to add design features; in bedrooms as headboards, as room dividers and even as decor.

Use a curtain to create a feature wall, or to create a focal point in the central of the room.

This technique also makes your windows look bigger.

10. Showcase your Collection

Do you have a collection? Use your wall as a gallery to showcase this collection. Not only is it unique, but it adds personality to your home. Display your plates or even your keying's to create an eye-catching feature.

11. Fake Flowers

This one gets an A+ for creativity – and it’s so simple! Attach fake flowers to the wall with masking tape to create a ‘3D Wallpaper’ effect.

But you don’t have to stop at fake flowers, get creative and use something else equally impressive.

12. Folding Screens

Folding screens are portable and versatile piece of furniture that can be used a temporary petitions, headboards and even against a wall as decor.

Use a transparent design with a lamp behind to create a illuminating romantic feel, or a bold striking screen against a neutral wall to add striking accent colours.

To make more of your screen, you can attach photos, or pictures to create a gallery effect. This avoids having to attach pictures to the wall, which can be a problem for renters.

Folding screens can be bought new, but I like to scour vintage shops and Etsy to find more original and quirky designs.

13. Bunting/garlands

Bunting and garlands are another popular trend which were revived by the Queen’s 2012 diamond jubilee. A simple way of bring colour to a blank wall, making your own garland is a fun weekend DIY project, especially if you have kids.

14. Hang guitars/bikes to walls

Again, this technique also doubles up as a great space saver, which is ideal if you live in a small space.

A simple and effective way to fill empty wall space, hanging your possessions on the wall also brings a sense of identity and personality into your interior design.

Like this post? Share it with your friends, and comment below if you have any other alternative decoration ideas that doesn’t involve paint.

]]>Mon, 24 Feb 2014 15:28:47 GMTPurple is a versatile colour that looks great in most rooms, but is most commonly used to decorate bedrooms.

Historically the colour purple represented those of royalty and wealth, but is now associated with femininity and relaxation.

Purple is the colour of 2014

Radiant Orchid is Pantone’s 2014 colour of the year, with designers unable to get enough of it.

Decorating with Purple

Purple looks wonderful with a range of colours, including mustards, mossy greens, turquoise and red. Experiment with different colour pallets until you have found one that’s right for you, my favourite site for this is Design Seeds, which has a huge number of pre-made colour pallets which you can browse through.

Purple Children’s Bedrooms

It’s not always easy to visualise how different colours and schemes can work together to create amazing design. Use this collection of purple kids bedroom examples to draw your own inspiration.

]]>Mon, 10 Feb 2014 12:49:47 GMTIt’s nearly that time of year again; the day couples everywhere forget that they have another 364 days to show their appreciation to one another, and go all-out on over-the-top and expensive gifts.

And I mean over-the-top, check out these ‘romantic’ valentines ideas…

Balloons Galore!

Okay, so I’ll admit this one isn’t too bad. Although the balloons look impressive at first, it’s pretty obvious that only a minimal amount of energy was spent here. I mean, anyone can walk into a shop and buy some balloons, right?

One-track mind

When you’re only romantic for the sake of a certain end-goal (yes, we mean sex), you’re NOT being romantic. These Karma Sheetra sheets are a pretty fun idea, but should never be used seriously. If anything it looks a little bit over-complicated!

NB: Be careful not to offend your partner, as it could be taken as a sign that you are unsatisfied with their performance; instant mood-killer…

“I saw that in the movies”

For me, this heart-shaped bed reminds of a similar creation seen in Sin City, and I’m sure there are other films where romantically-shaped beds also make an appearance.

But you’d have to be seriously and madly crazy-in-love (or just have poor taste) to invest and commit to living with a permanent bed like this. I mean – seriously - would you not be embarrassed? I definitely wouldn’t be giving house tours to my guests if I had this!

It’s getting hot in here…

…literally! Less romantic, and more of a serious fire hazard, the above photo looks initially pretty, until you realise how close the open flames are to those delicate, sheer and HIGHLY FLAMABLE drapes.

What’s more, you can’t actually reach the bed with all of those candles in the way, so whoever put this little arrangement together has shot themselves in the foot with that one.

WAY. TOO. CHEESY.

I find it hard to believe that any man or woman would find this genuinely romantic – it just makes me want to cringe! What’s more, it’s going to take ages tidying away all those rose petals – I pity whoever ends up with the short straw there.

Maybe I’m just lacking in romance? Do you think I’m being too harsh? Let me know by commenting below, or if you think you can better any of these photos, send me the links!

]]>Fri, 07 Feb 2014 11:23:01 GMTMany of us wouldn’t dream of sleeping at our place of work every night, but what about this new product from Berlin-based design group BLESS?

With their new creative “Workbed”, designed as part of their Artistcare collection you can now literally transform your home office into a place of zen for relaxing and sleeping – something many of us never thought possible!

The idea behind the design was to provide a space-saving solution for small rooms and urban dwellers. Using a rotating system, the “Workbed” is extremely easy to transform – even the mattress and sheets stay attached so no need to worry about that!

What do you think, is the “Workbed” a helpful piece of furniture for dual-purpose rooms? Or is it just another way to never really escape from the office?

]]>Tue, 04 Feb 2014 10:11:43 GMTU.S Minneapolis’ Orfield Laboratories have created what is said to be the quietest room in the world. It sounds like the ultimate recluse after that particularly busy and stressful day, but before you start booking your flight, know that the longest anyone has been able to bear is 45 minutes alone in the room.

It’s so quiet in there, that YOU actually become the sound. President Steven Orfield told the Daily Mail that it is possible to hear your own heart beat, stomach and even the lungs when inside the room, which is an anechoic chamber.

At –9 decibels, it’s far quieter than your typical quiet bedroom at night, which measures at around 30 decibels. Steven Orfield said that many people you enter the room leave again after only a few seconds, and the longest anyone has managed to stay so far is 45 minutes - remaining in the chamber for any length of time can be so disorientating that you’re forced to sit down!

It achieves its ultra-quietness with a combination of foot-thick concrete, double walls of insulated steel and 3-foot-thick fiberglass acoustic wedges.

]]>Mon, 03 Feb 2014 10:08:56 GMTSleeping is a natural process that happens to each and every one of us at night time. We all know that sleep is important for us to properly function, but scientists are still not 100% certain why.

Only 1 in 10 of us actually sleep all through the night without waking up, and this is down to a variety of factors, some of which are out of our control. However, there are actions that we can take to improve our quality of sleep, starting with the bedroom. If you’re tossing and turning at night, follow these tips and see if you can change your sleeping pattern for the better.

1. Get the perfect mattress

One of the most important factors for sleeping well is your mattress. Whether you prefer that ‘sinking’ feeling or a firm sleeping surface, a good-quality mattress is worth investing in. Whatever your preference, a quality mattress will provide the correct support for your back, which is essential for your health as well as your sleep.

A high-quality mattress can last up to 10 years, but none can last forever, and after this time you should always replace your mattress.

2. Love your pillows

Invest in really good, supportive pillows. Decide what you firmness you prefer, soft? hard? foam? Make sure you’re happy with what you have, and be sure to change them regularly as after time pillows can lose their shape and become embedded with dust.

(Image via iStock)

3. Clean up

Ensure that your bedroom is clean and free of dust. Dust can trigger allergies and make for a bad night’s sleep. Dust mites also have a similar effect, especially for people who suffer with asthma. Be sure to vacuum the room and the mattress periodically to keep it dust-free.

4. Pyjamas or no pyjamas?

Make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. If you do wear pyjamas, opt for soft and light fabrics such as cottons and silks, as these are gentle against the skin and will keep you cool. If you’re not a fan of pyjamas, studies have shown that sleeping naked leads to a better night’s sleep, as it’s easier for your body to control its temperature.

5. Use blackout blinds

We sleep better in the dark, because light can inhibit the secretion of melatonin – the hormone that regulates our sleep. We are capable of detecting even the dimmest of lights – even through closed eyelids! Blackout blinds help to control unwanted light exposure, from streets lamps and car headlights to the moon itself.

6. Turn off your electronics

This links to the point above, because many electronic devices such as TVs have ‘standby’ lights which can lead to poor sleep. Electronic devices can also produce humming noises, which although you think you ignore, actually keep you up at night.

There has also been some debate about sleeping next to your mobile phone. Although it has not been proved that their signals cause us any harm, it is better to turn them completely off to avoid being woken up in the night. It is also a good idea to switch off to prevent any distractions before you go to sleep, allowing you to properly relax.

(Image via Prevention)

7. Point your bed North

We’re not sure how much evidence there is for this, but it is the belief of some mythologies that positioning your bed so that your head is pointing to either the North or South pole increases your quality of sleep. It is believed that aligning yourself with the Earth’s magnetic fields can improve your sleep, and also help with dreams.

8. De-clutter

Your bedroom should be a place of calm, and many of us struggle to relax in an untidy room. Too much clutter can cause anxiety and stress, so make sure you have good bedroom storage to stay organised.

9. Lower the temperature

Temperature can make a noticeable difference when it comes to sleep. According to Dr Christopher Winter, sleeping in a hot environment has been shown to increase wakefulness and decrease slow wave sleep. Most studies agree that the room temperature should be between 18 – 22 degrees Celsius, although this can vary from person to person.

10. Pick the perfect bed sheets

You don’t want something too heavy, or irritating for your skin. Cotton has been a long-time favourite for bed sheets, due to its durability, comfort and hygienic properties.

Silks are a good option, especially if you suffer from dry/sensitive skin (Tip: Silk pillow cases are brilliant for spot-prone skin). Silk has an amazing ability to keep us cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cool – which is why it makes a good bedding choice. And no, you won’t slip out of your silk bed sheets, that’s a myth.

Hypoallergenic bed materials are increasingly popular, not just among allergy sufferers, as they keep dust mites at bay.

11. Noise

Noises at levels as low as 40 decibels or as high as 70 decibels can keep us awake. Remember to turn off all electrical devices which emit sound, and a thick curtain will help to muffle noise from outside.

It is not always possible to create a noise-free zone, especially if you live in a noisy area. If this is the case, it can help to have a consistent background noise playing, which can help you to ignore noise altogether. There are plenty of smartphone apps for this. An alternative would be to sleep with earplugs.

12. Reserve your Bedroom for night-time activities only

Try to stick to using your bedroom for sleep and amorous activities only. Avoid using your bedroom as an extra office space or a workout area, otherwise you will not associate the room with resting and sleeping.

13. Colour scheme

Choose a colour palette that creates a calm and restful vibe. Blue is considered a good colour for bedrooms because it slows the heart rate - but it can sometimes make a room feel ‘cold’ or masculine. According to the same study, People with purple walls have been found to sleep the worst.

Sometimes the best colour to use is your favourite colour, but opt for paler, pastel hues to avoid it being too overpowering.

14. Wear socks

Studies have found that wearing socks to bed helps you to sleep. It can also help to reduce the number of times you wake up in the night. If you don’t believe it – try it yourself!

15. Smell is important

Smell is often an overlooked factor when it comes to sleep, but there is a reason why there is a market for sleep balms and oils! Aromatherapy is a popular alternative medicinal approach which uses natural oils to aid with sleep. Lavender has been shown to decrease heart rate and blood pressure by making you more relaxed. Jasmine also has similar effects which aid with sleep.

It has even been stated that what you smell may influence your dreams, as odour has a strong effect on emotions.

16. Have a plant

This one comes from Feng Shui – the Chinese art of interior design and placement – and is known as ‘living chi’ (living energy). Studies indicate that green colours can help to lower blood pressure. Plants also remind us of the energy and strength of nature, representing a calming influence.

Plants with a good scent such as lemon-based herbs and Jasmine also help (as mentioned above) with sleep. However, plants are only good for out mental health as long as they remain healthy themselves. Be sure to take care of any indoor greenery you may have.

17. Don’t share blankets

If you sleep with a partner, I’m sure at one point or other you’ve experienced what it’s like to have little or no blankets. Sharing one blanket can actually lead to poor-quality sleep – not to mention mini-arguments with your partner! Having separate blankets makes for a more comfortable night’s sleep, as you can create your own ‘zone’ without having to worry about ‘hogging’ the blankets.

If you’re not totally convinced by this, you spread one final blanket over everything.

18. Relax

Yes, you should switch off all lights and electronics before you sleep, but that doesn’t mean you can’t unwind and relax beforehand. Trying to sleep while your mind is still active will not help. Engaging in a relaxing activity such as listening to music or reading will help you to prepare for a good night’s sleep.

Have something else to add to the list? Share it below.

]]>Mon, 27 Jan 2014 15:14:48 GMTBuying a new mattress isn’t as simple as it used to be. Here at MyBedFrames, we’ve been asked multiple times now: “What are the differences between open coil and pocket sprung mattresses?” To help you choose the right mattress for you, we’ve put together this quick guide to help you know the differences and get the most out of your mattress.

What is an Open Coil Mattress?

Open coil (also known as Miracoil, Continuous coil, Standard coil e.t.c) are the most common types of mattresses, which consist of a inter-connected spring system. They are the traditional manufacturing method for mattresses, capable of being mass-produced with a low production cost – this makes them one of the cheapest on the market. A standard double open coil mattress will contain an average of 300 springs.

What Do I Need to Know?

Manufactures and retailers will often refer to the ‘gauge’ of the mattress– which indicates the thickness of the wire used for the springs. The lower the number, the thicker the gauge, which typically creates a firmer mattress. A 12-gauge mattress will be very firm and provide plenty of support, but if you’re looking for something a little softer go for a 13.5-gauge which still offers plenty of support.

A high-gauge rod edge is very important in open coiled mattresses, as it extends the sleeping surface and and helps the mattress to retain its shape, reducing side sag.

Is an Open Coil Mattress for Me?

There are number of pros and cons with open coil mattresses, which vary in importance depending on what you’re looking for.

Pros: Open coils provide excellent support and are used for most orthopaedic mattresses due to their firmness. They tend to have more ‘give’ than pocket sprung mattresses, and are lighter and therefore easier to turn. Investing in an open coil mattress with an inbuilt memory foam topper will give a superior level of extra comfort.

Cons: Not as robust as other mattresses and can be known to ‘dip’ in the middle after prolonged use. Open coiled bedding can also lead to the ‘roll-together’ feeling for couples, and you will feel the movement of your partner.

These are great mattresses for children, lasting between 3-5 years before needing to be replaced.

What Are Pocket Spring Mattresses?

Pocket sprung mattresses offer more support than open coiled. The individual springs that make up the mattress are housed in their own little pockets and work independently of each other. Spring counts can vary dramatically from 600 to 5,000. Typically, the higher the spring count, the better the support.

What Do I Need to Know?

Although the spring count is a factor in mattress quality, don’t be fooled by numbers alone. A mattress crammed with inferior springs will not be better than one with less, more quality springs. Look at the range of specifications including the materials used to top and fill the mattress – this is what is important is defining the quality (and price) of pocket spring mattresses.

Is a Pocket Sprung Mattress for Me?

Pros: Because the springs move independently they offer more support for your body, and are ideal for people of two different weights as pocket-sprung mattresses reduce that ‘roll-together’ feeling.

Cons: Can be heavy to turn, due to the density of their fillings. If you suffer with allergies, be sure to check the fillings carefully, as many use natural materials like lambs wool, which can aggravate allergies.

Looking For More Mattress Information?

What are your experiences? Advice others by commenting below, and ask any additional questions you may have about mattresses.

]]>Mon, 20 Jan 2014 10:38:39 GMTWe all get bored easily, and our likes and dislikes can change quickly without warning. One day you wake up, and you just no longer like the design of your bedroom. What do you do? You could redecorate, of course, but it isn’t always that easy – not to mention pretty darn expensive. But with these simple and cost-effective tips, you can transform the look of your bedroom without too much difficulty.

1. Dress your walls

Granted, if you’ve got a red-painted room, and you suddenly decide you hate the colour red - there’s not a lot you can do other than repaint the walls. However, you could try dressing your walls, minimising the amount of wall on show.

Mirror Collage

A mirror collage has the added benefit of reflecting light making your bedroom appear bigger and brighter.

Wall Decals

Wall decals are a fantastic way of transforming and updating your bedroom on a budget. Make a statement and draw the eye with a large decal - you can even customise your own decals through some sellers, for that added personal touch.

Tapestries/Fabric

2. Change your headboard

A headboard is a eye-catching bedroom feature, and you’d be surprised how much of an effect they have on a room. If yours is dated, faded or worn it can also make your bed look old and uninviting. Changing your headboard is a cheap way to re-design and uplift your bed frame.

Use the whole wall

Create an impact with a feature-wall 'headboard'.

Re-purpose Furniture

Take a look at your furniture, is there anything that could be re-purpose as a headboard? A screen? A peg-board? A shelf? Even a bookcase could serve as a headbord-with-storage, and possibly free up some space in the rest of the room.

Get creative

A dab hand at DIY? Get creative and make your own headboard! Use anything you can get your hands on, make it useful (i.e. incorporate pegs/shelves into your headboard) or just go for decoration - the world's your oyster (...sort of)!

3. Move things around

Your layout might be part of the problem. Is your bed pushed right into the corner? Placing in the centre of the room can a small room look much bigger.

Take a look at this example. All the owner did is move the bed, and it's had a powerful effect on the room:

4. Change your furnishings

Simply buying new bed sheets and curtains can change the design of your bedroom. I personally like to keep neutral-coloured walls, so I can easily change the furnishings and accent colours when I’m feeling like a change. In the winter warm, rich colours make my room feel warmer and cosy, whereas I opt for lighter fabrics and colours in summer.

5. Easy DIY

Save yourself some pennies and do-it-yourself! I find Pinterest an absolute inspiration when it comes to DIY projects and tutorials. So if you're stuck for ideas start there.

Fed up of your wooden furniture? Give it a snazy makeover just using paint - you won’t believe the difference! Not sure where to start? Use this tutorial.

Got some budget bedroom tips of your own? Comment below to share!

]]>Tue, 14 Jan 2014 09:30:13 GMTA recent survey highlighted that snoring is the most annoying sleeping habit of a partner. And it’s not hard to understand why. Anyone who has experienced trying to fall asleep in a room with a snorer will understand how impossible it can be to drum out the infuriating noise. Imagine a ticking clock, only 10 times louder, more annoying and without any rhythm or pattern. Luckily, I have done all the necessary research into what causes snoring and how best to deal with it - read on for your ultimate guide to snoring!

Why do we snore?

Snoring is the result of vibrations caused by the way we breathe. Our bodies naturally relax when we breath causing the airways to narrow, which makes it easier for partial blockages to occur. This makes us breathe faster, which in turn causes bigger vibrations and the resulting sound.

Causes of snoring

Not all snoring is the same, and there is no one way to identify why you snore. Snoring is sometimes described by some as a consequence of overindulgence in some of the ‘better’ things in life; because factors such as overeating, smoking and alcohol are known causes. Here are some other common causes for snoring:

Allergies

Your sleeping position

Age

Nasal and sinus problems

Medicines containing sedatives

Dental issues

Pregnancy

Snoring can also be hereditary, with The British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association claiming that nearly 70% of snorers have a familial link.

Sometimes, snoring can be a sign of something more serious. You should always seek the advice of your GP if you are worried or concerned about any of your sleeping habits.

Avoid taking medicines including sedatives before bed (unless otherwise advised by your GP of course), read the labels if you are unsure

Stop smoking

Use a mouthguard – antisnoring mouthguards can be prescribed by both dentists and doctors if your snoring is a result of dentistry/jaw problems

Use an extra pillow to raise your head higher when you sleep, taking some of the pressure off the airways

Keep to a regular sleeping pattern

]]>Wed, 08 Jan 2014 14:31:02 GMTChildren’s bunk beds are a fantastic versatile and space-saving option for houses where floor space is at a premium. Although in the past, children’s bunk beds have largely tended towards a more functional style, you will see that our bunk beds are far from boring or staid. And our latest addition to the wooden bunk beds range – The Shaker - is no exception.

The moniker ‘Shaker’ does, of course, relate to the Shaker style rather than the bunk beds’ build quality! This quality, sturdy piece of children’s bedroom furniture has been styled with the simple lines and solid build quality inherent to the traditional Shaker fashion, and features ranch-style headboard and footboard ends. The pine wood has been finished with a white wash for an extra modern twist on the rustic charms of Shaker style furniture.

The Shaker accommodates 3’0 by 3’6 single mattresses, and includes a safety ladder for easy, safe access to the top bunk area. The Shaker might be great for maximising floor space when required, but what makes the Shaker a really practical bunk bed option is that the two bunk beds can be separated into two single beds. So if you fancy a change of layout in your childrens’ bedroom, or bed spaces in the house are rearranged as the children grow up (and inevitably require more room!), there’s no need to purchase two new beds! This not only makes the Shaker an entirely cost-effective bed option, but also renders it ‘future proof’ for when the kids grow up and require their own personal space.

The Shaker wooden bunk bed will be available from late January 2012 and can be purchased online at My Bed Frames or by calling the sales team on 0845 467 5847.

The PocketFLEX brings together the best of both worlds when it comes to pocket sprung mattresses and memory foam mattresses. The PocketFLEX mattress is constructed from an encapsulating 7cm of CoolVISCO memory foam - a new innovation designed to offer the full support of visco-elastic foam with added air ventilation to keep you cool and comfortable – around a 1000 pocket spring interior.

So what are the benefits of the PocketFLEX?

In a sense, PocketFLEX offers a “double whammy” – not only does the COOLBLUE COOLVisco foam offer a cooler, more breathable memory foam option, but the pocket sprung interior offers extra air ventilation and circulation. In addition, the memory foam encapsulation means that on the surface, your body benefits from complete support, where the memory foam contours to the body and alleviates pressure points, spreading your weight evenly. The pocket sprung interior within the 7cm COOLVisco foam and 18cm depth of sturdy reflex foam then further supports your body, with the 1000 spring unit offering a ‘soft’ gauge feel.

PocketFLEX mattresses come with a 10 year guarantee, and adhere to UK flammability regulations. You might be interested to learn that we are also introducing PocketFLEX mattresses with a 1200 and 1400 sprung interior for a firmer feel – just call the MyBedFrames sales team on 01234 834693 to find out more about our range of PocketFLEX memory mattresses, our delivery schedules, mattress dimension customisation service and technical specs.

]]>Tue, 13 Aug 2013 08:48:07 GMTOur popular memory foam mattresses category has recently received a substantial update, with the addition of a number of new and innovative offerings designed to keep you cool whilst you sleep.

Introducing COOLBLUE

Whilst traditional memory foam (visco elastic foam) has a reputation for trapping body heat, our new collection of mattresses offers an alternative solution. Both the new COOLBLUE COOLVisco memory mattresses and PocketFLEX range have been designed to enable air ventilation and ‘breathability’, whilst offering premium comfort.

Our COOLBLUE COOLVisco mattresses are manufactured to offer the same benefits of ‘traditional’ visco-elastic mattress – that is to say, full independent support, relief on pressure points, relief from muscle tension and improvements to circulation. However, as the name suggests, the COOLVisco is manufactured to promote air circulation throughout the mattress, thanks to the comfortable cone construction.

We can supply standard sizes of mattress comprising of a 7cm depth of COOLVisco foam that sits upon either 13cm or 18cm depths of a sturdy reflex foam base, giving you support, supple comfort and ‘breathability’.

The great news is that the COOLBLUE range of mattresses come with a 10 year guarantee, and adhere to stringent UK flammability regulations. Find out more about our new COOLBLUE memory foam mattress by calling our sales line on 01234 834693.

New GelFLEX™ Range

GelFLEX™ mattresses are another innovation that has recently been selected for our product catalogue, as an alternative to our traditional memory foam mattress and natural latex mattress range. The latex-gel ‘LayGel’ material used in the GelFLEX™ mattresses are designed to not only provide a sensationally comfortable sleep surface, but the added ‘breathability’ of this alternative to pure visco-elastic foam means that the user is able to stay cool and comfortable all night long.

Our GelFLEX™ mattresses come in 2 depths:

20cm: 7cm LayGel top with 13cm reflex foam base

25cm: 7cm LayGel top with 18cm reflex foam base

The GelFLEX™ mattresses come with a 10 year guarantee, and also comply with UK flammability regulations.

]]>Tue, 13 Aug 2013 08:47:14 GMTThe recent summer period of trading has seen a significant increase in the number of folding beds that we’ve sold here at MyBedFrames. As a ‘distance seller’, we sell over the Internet and directly to customers who phone us, and we’ve taken a number of calls from live-in carers that are looking for a guest bed that won’t take up valuable space when not in use.

The Ultimate Space Saver

We’ve found that the best solution in these cases are our selection of folding beds; when not in use, they fold to a standing position with two sets of castors for easy movement, with the full width headboard serving as a flat shelf space – a handy addition and space-saving solution where space is limited. But perhaps the greatest feature of the bed is the comfort value. These folding beds are of premium quality, and as they’re designed for frequent use, they have to been built to offer a fantastically comfortable night’s sleep. In short – they’re as versatile as a camping bed, but as comfortable as a traditional divan bed.

To find out more about guest beds and folding beds from MyBedFrames, just call our Sales Line on 01234 834693 today.

]]>Tue, 13 Aug 2013 08:46:24 GMTThey say that nothing in this life is free, but we know that sometimes, there are exceptions to this kind of ‘rule’. A perfect example is MyBedFrames’ FREE DELIVERY promise on all orders placed in the mainland UK.

Where other companies add an extra carriage charge, if you live within our designated UK mainland zones – as the majority of you do – then you will be able to extend your budget on your bed frames, mattresses, sofa bed or futon knowing that you won’t have to spend a single extra penny on getting your purchases delivered to your home or business.

Some of our products, including many metal and wooden bed frames as well as mattresses, can be shipped immediately – all with no extra cost to you. But in some cases, where our customers have the chance to customise their products – as with our range of guaranteed futons and sofa beds – there may be a short lead time on products, usually of around 2 to 4 weeks whilst the product is built to order in our British factories. Even in these instances with lead times, MyBedFrames halves the time you’ll need to wait if you were to go with some high profile brand names.

To find out whether you qualify for our free UK mainland delivery service, just call the My Bed Frames sales team on 01234 834693 and we’ll be more than happy to advise.

]]>Tue, 13 Aug 2013 08:45:24 GMTAt MyBedFrames, we supply a range of foam mattresses, but we find that our customers are sometimes not as familiar with reflex foam as they might be with memory foam and other mattresses.

So what exactly is Reflex foam, and why do people choose to buy it?

Reflex foam is a name given to a type of medium-firm high density polyurethane foam. It is often used for orthopaedic mattresses, and is a cheaper alternative to memory foam. Although it shares the same ‘spring back into shape’ characteristic of memory foam (hence the ‘reflex’) it is important to distinguish the differences between the two materials as they are by no means the same product.

Memory Foam Vs Reflex Foam

Memory Foam

Memory foam was first designed in the 1960s for NASA plane seats. The average memory foam mattress has millions of tiny holes, and air escapes from these as the foam moulds around the body. This action is activated by pressure and body heat, and results in a foam mattress that offers total independent support without pressure points.

Reflex Foam

Reflex foam, like memory foam, is also high density but is constructed in a different way with larger bubbles. When pressure is applied to theses bubbles, they act in a similar way to water in a balloon – the air does not escape, and instead is displaced ‘sideways’. Once pressure is relieved, the bubbles spring back into shape and the mattress regains its shape.

It’s for this reason that the reflex foam mattress is popular as an orthopaedic mattress, as it offers a firm but comfortable mattress option. Reflex foam is also commonly used as a supportive layer in many memory foam mattresses.

Benefits of a reflex foam mattress:

firm orthapeadic feel

cheaper than memory foam

helps to keep spinge aligned

no need to turn

dust mite resistant

The main difference in feel you'll find with a reflex foam mattress, is that you don't experience that 'sinking' like you do with memory foam. However, it still has that 'bounce back' quality.

MyBedFrames Foam Mattress Range

To find out more about our single, double, king size or super king size reflex foam mattresses, visit our website or give our friendly sales team a call on 01234 834693 today.

We also strive to provide everything under one site – for instance, not only can you purchase your ideal bed frame from us, but you’ll also be able to find a mattress to fit, as well as other complementary furniture including our massive range of sofa beds. We’re always looking at ways in which we can improve our product range, which is why we recently launched a new section of our site - the Headboards category.

Headboards are a great way to add a focal point to any bedroom, whether it’s the simplest of single beds or the plushest of super king size bed. The fact is, if you want to make a statement, then it’s a great idea to add a headboard into the mix.

Headboards don’t just add an extra element of styling to your room; they also serve a few functions, such as becoming an extra shelving/storage option. Upholstered headboards in particular can serve as a comfortable backdrop to the bed, with the cushioned surface acting in the same supportive way as the back of a chair or sofa. Breakfast in bed, reading at bedtime or just a lazy Sunday afternoon propped up watching the telly can all be in done in luxurious and gloriously relaxed comfort.

Take a look at our headboards range here – you’ll find a mix of classic and contemporary metal, wooden and upholstered headboards for all standard sizes of beds. Remember, we offer up to 60% off the RRPs of our headboards, as well as free delivery to UK mainland addresses – just call 01234 834693 to find out more.

]]>Tue, 13 Aug 2013 08:35:44 GMTBy perusing our leather bed frames category you’ll find that we have a large selection, many of which are actually faux leather bed frames. We actually find that our faux leather beds are amongst some of the most popular of all the bed frames that we sell, perhaps because:

it’s an affordable ‘luxury’ upholstery option,

faux leather is relatively easy to clean and maintain,

faux leather is family friendly, as it’s less prone to staining, and

as a non animal-based product, faux leather is more desirable to vegetarians and vegans.

There may be a multitude of other reasons why customers opt for faux leather, perhaps simply because they prefer the look and feel of a particular faux leather bed. But if you’ve been thinking about acquiring a faux leather bed from MyBedFrames, here are a few reasons to help you make your purchase:

1. Affordable

As we’ve already said, faux leather is a much more affordable ‘luxury’ bed frame option; it offers the look and soft feel of real leather at a fraction of the cost. The only down-side in this regard is that as a material, faux leather is not quite as robust as real leather, so is slightly more susceptible to wear and tear, scuffing or ripping, so requires more care and maintenance.

2. No Imperfections

As a manufactured material, faux leather tends to be much more uniform in texture and colour, and the chance of any imperfections being present in the faux leather bed frame is virtually nil.

3. Easy to keep clean and maintain

Faux leather has a treated surface, so it’s easy to keep clean and maintain in good condition. Simple measures, such as keeping the faux leather out of direct sunlight to avoid fading will help retain a good-as-new appearance. Cleaning is as easy as using warm, soapy water and a lint-free cloth, although there are a range of faux leather cleaners and polishes on the market.

4. Extra storage

If you’re looking for seamless, hidden storage then our range of ottoman-style faux leather beds – such as the Vienna Ottoman - are just the ticket. These beds incorporate over 4 times the storage space of your average divan bed within the base. A simple lift-up, drop-down mechanism reveals copious amounts of storage space inside the bed base, offering a simple but extremely practical storage solution.

5. Contemporary styling for the modern home

Whether you’re in favour of a sleigh-bed style, prefer a high-back headboard, or would rather opt for a low slung bed frame with an open foot end, our faux leather beds offer an added contemporary twist to your bedroom decor scheme. The selection of black, mocha and cream perfectly complement muted neutrals and bold accent colours alike.

But in recent years, bunk beds have evolved, offering more than just the benefit of two beds in one bed space. Although we do supply a wide range of traditionally styled wooden frame bunk beds in a variety of high quality wood finishes, we have also sought to include a large collection of innovative, contemporary designed bunk beds, cabin beds and loft beds.

The designs have adapted into an ‘all-in-one bedroom furniture’ solution to suit the modern child and teenager, whether they’re studying, gaming, using any one of a plethora of electronic devices, or just hanging out with friends. If you’re not familiar with the difference between bunk beds, cabin beds and loft beds, here’s a quick reference guide to help you out:

Bunk Beds

Frame where two or more beds are stacked and fixed on top of one another, maximising floor space. Traditionally, bunk beds are constructed with solid wood (commonly pine) or metal, and are popular in children’s bedrooms, dorms and other communal establishments. Many of our bunk beds can be split into two separate beds, making them an even more versatile option.

Cabin Bed

Cabin beds also go by the name of captain’s bed or chest bed, and are designed to include extra storage space beneath the bed. Typically, modern cabin beds have a mid-height bunk underneath which storage drawers, shelving or roll-out furniture can be kept.

Futon Bunk

Futon bunks are a great way to incorporate a study space, as well as a guest bed for occasional use. As with the cabin bed, the upper bunk is accessed via a ladder and serves as the sleeping area, with the space underneath fitted with (optionally) a futon sofa which can then be unfolded into a guest bed. Other options also incorporate a study desk, shelving, and single futon chair that can convert into a futon guest bed.

3 Sleeper Bunk

As the name suggests, the 3 Sleeper Bunk provides sleeping space for 3 people, with a single bed space on the upper bunk and small double or double on the lower bunk.

For more advice about any of our bunk beds, feel free to call our friendly sales team on 01234 834693 and we’ll be happy to assist.

]]>Tue, 13 Aug 2013 08:34:00 GMTUpdated 6/7/15

Humans are social beings. Whether its friends or family, we love to surround ourselves with the people we love. If you regularly invite guests over to stay, but find yourself struggling to find ways to accommodate them, you no longer have to rely on the likes of uncomfortable air beds or cumbersome camp beds.

There are a variety of guest bed options available to you, from space-saving solutions to multi-functional furniture

Day Beds

Day beds are the perfect dual-purpose furniture staple, serving as a comfortable (and attractive) seating solution in the day. The ‘seat’ of a day bed is actually a mattress, and by simply switching the cushions and throw for a pillow and duvet – you have an instant bed for your guests!

The use of a standard mattress makes the day bed one of the most comfortable guest bed solutions.

Rollaway Guest Beds

There are a large collection of purpose-made guest beds which are designed to fold away discreetly beneath your standard bed frame when not in use. These are called rollaway beds (also: pullout beds/trundle beds).

Rollaway beds are perfect for those with smaller rooms and the occasional guests. The great thing about these type of beds is that they can either be used as two single beds, or pushed together to form a ‘double’ bed (if the guest bed has legs and can be lifted to the same height; not all rollaway beds have this feature).

Folding Beds

Folding beds are the ultimate space-saver, and are a temporary guest bed solution with no compromise on comfort. Folding beds literally fold in half for easy storage when not in use, and can be put up quickly and easily (for those surprise guest visits).

Folding beds come in single and double sizes, with a range of mattress choices including memory foam. This makes them the luxury alternative to air beds and camp beds!

Sofa Beds

Sofa beds are the master of discretion, and are a versatile option for those who have frequent guests but limited space. Available in all shaped and sizes, sofa beds are at the top the multi-functional furniture list.

Struggling to find the perfect guest solution? At MyBedFrames, we’re dedicated to helping you find your ideal bed. Call us on 01234 834693 to talk to a member of our experienced team.